Melon-headed Whale (Mammals of Alabama)

Melon-headed Whale

Peponocephala electra

Summary ⁶

The melon-headed whale (species Peponocephala electra; other names are many-toothed blackfish and electra dolphin) is a cetacean of the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae). It is closely related to the pygmy killer whale and pilot whale, and collectively these dolphin species are known by the common name blackfish. It is also related to the false killer whale. The melon-headed whale is widespread throughout the world's tropical waters, although not often seen by humans because it prefers deep...

Description ⁷

"This dark gray species is actually in the black dolphin family. It is smaller than almost all the other North American members of this family and is approximately the size of a bottlenose dolphin. This whale lives in deep tropical and subtropical waters around the world and is relatively rare; the total population in the world is believed to be perhaps 2,000. They frequently school together in large herds (200) and with other small whales and dolphins. Their diet includes fish, squid, and sometimes crustaceans, similar to that of Fraser's dolphins with whom they often associate. They are very aggressive and do not survive well in captivity."

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Mammal Species of the World