Pygmy killer whales are small members of the dolphin group. They can reach a length of 8.5 feet (2.6 m) and weight of 380 pounds (170 kg).
They have a small head with a rounded melon that extends in front of the mouth and there is no discernable beak. Their dorsal fin is relatively large and tall and is located behind the mid-back. They have relatively long pointed, tapering flippers (pectoral fins). Body color is dark with some small white areas on the lips and belly.
Reproductive biology is poorly known in this species.
Pygmy killer whales usually occur in groups of 50 or less. Both sexes may remain in their birth groups. They are generally less active than other oceanic dolphins; frequently they are seen “logging”–resting in groups at the surface with all animals oriented the same way.
They apparently feed primarily on squids and fishes.
Status
MMPA – Pygmy killer whales, like all marine mammals, are protected under the MMPA.
CITES Appendix II – throughout its range
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Weight:
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up to 380 pounds (170 kg) |
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Length:
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up to 8.5 feet (2.6 m) |
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Appearance:
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gray with small head and a rounded melon/forehead, relatively large dorsal and pectoral fins |
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Lifespan:
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unknown |
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Diet:
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squids and fishes |
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Behavior:
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usually occur in groups of 50 or less, they remain in their birth groups; generally less active than other oceanic dolphins, they are seen “logging”–resting in groups at the surface |
RELATIVE SPECIES: Melon-headed whale, False Killer Whale
OTHER NAMES: Lesser Killer Whale
NEIGHBORING SPECIES: Killer whale, False Killer Whale, Short-finned pilot whale.
PREDATORS: Humans
THREATS: Rarely taken by fishermen or caught in nets.
DIET: Squid and fish
MANNER OF FEEDING: Unknown
BEHAVIOR: Travel in pods of 50 or less. Occasionally bow ride with other species of dolphin. Rarely jump out of the water. Slower and calmer than other dolphin species. In captivity, they are known to attack and kill their tank mates.
REPRODUCTION: Calves are born in the summer.
LIFE SPAN: Unknown
Habitat
They prefer deeper areas of warmer tropical and subtropical waters where their prey are concentrated.
Pygmy killer whales are found primarily in deep waters throughout tropical and subtropical areas of the world. There are three recognized stocks in the U.S.: Hawaii, Northern Gulf of Mexico, and Western North Atlantic.
The most recent stock assessment reports with population estimates are available on our website.
- drive fisheries, though few
- bycatch in gillnet fisheries, though there is no reported bycatch from U.S. fisheries
There are no known conservation efforts directed specifically at this species as they are poorly known and have few fishery interactions or other known threats.
This species is protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 as amended.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Family: Delphinidae
Genus: Feresa
Species: attenuata
References:
Cool/Gross/Weird:
- Pygmy killer whales were known from two fossil skulls for over 100 years until discovery of live animals in 1954.
- Pygmy killer whales are very aggressive when kept in captivity.
- Very rare. Looks like a small killer whale without the white markings.
-TSF-
