How big is the Short-finned pilot whale?

Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) reaches 400–620 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Short-finned pilot whale?

Short-finned pilot whale is found between 0–600 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Short-finned pilot whale?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Short-finned pilot whale?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Globicephala macrorhynchus
Common name: Short-finned pilot whale
Category: Marine mammals
Family: Delphinidae
Genus: Globicephala
Size: 400–620 cm
Depth: 0–600 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water
Behaviours: schooling, slow-mover
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific

Description

Globicephala macrorhynchus reaches 6.2 m and 2 tons. Large dolphin (delphinid) black or very dark anthracite-gray with white anchor-shaped patch under chin and characteristic bulbous forehead (melon). Falciform dorsal fin placed far forward. Global tropical distribution, resident pockets in Macaronesia (southwest Tenerife semi-sedentary population). Lives in stable family pods of 10 to 30 individuals. Squid hunter at great depths. Ferry encounters in Canaries or Azores.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Short-finned pilot whale?: Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) reaches 400–620 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Short-finned pilot whale?: Short-finned pilot whale is found between 0–600 m deep.
Is the Short-finned pilot whale dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Short-finned pilot whale?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Short-finned pilot whale?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Globicephala

Globicephala melas - Long-finned pilot whale

Other species in the family Delphinidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137096)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2440605)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia