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Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata)

Photo of Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata)

Key facts

Scientific name
Feresa attenuata
Common name
Pygmy Killer Whale
Category
Marine mammals
Family
Delphinidae
Genus
Feresa
Size
160–210 cm
Depth
0–900 m
IUCN status
Data deficient (DD)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
open-water
Behaviours
pelagic, fast-swimmer, schooling
Ocean zones
Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Compact black cetacean (160-210 cm) resembling small orca. Pelagic (0-900 m) tropical-subtropical. Agile fast. Conservation: data deficient. Diving: rare tropical pelagic.

Photo of Pygmy Killer Whale

Photo of Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata)Photo of Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata)Photo of Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Pygmy Killer Whale?
Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata) reaches 160–210 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Pygmy Killer Whale?
Pygmy Killer Whale is found between 0–900 m deep.
Is the Pygmy Killer Whale dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Pygmy Killer Whale?
IUCN status: Data deficient (DD).
Where can you find the Pygmy Killer Whale?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Delphinidae

  • Tursiops truncatus - Common bottlenose dolphin
  • Stenella frontalis - Atlantic spotted dolphin
  • Delphinus delphis - Common dolphin
  • Globicephala macrorhynchus - Short-finned pilot whale
  • Orcinus orca - Killer whale
  • Globicephala melas - Long-finned pilot whale

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137095)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2440530)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia