General Description

Body pattern dark grey-brown above and paler below. Highly arched posterior lower jaw. Large triangular tusks, extending above upper jaw in males. Up to 4.7 m long.

Biology

From studies in the Bahamas, these whales are thought to form harems, groups of one adult male and several accompanying females. They have been recorded diving to depth of 1400 m and submerged for nearly an hour.

Habitat

Temperate and tropical waters, to depth of 1400 m.

Open water

Distribution guide

Worldwide. Potentially near Port Phillip, recorded from Victoria.

Species Group

Mammals › Whales and dolphins

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

Surface Midwater

Max Size

4.7 m

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Data Deficient
• CITES : Trade restrictions (Appendix II)