Dwarf Sperm Whale
(Kogia sima)
Identity card
Taxonomy
Order: Odontocetes
Family: Kogiidae
Species: Kogia sima
Measurements
2.1 to 2.7 m, weighing 135 to 270 kg
Lifespan
Unknown
IUCN status
Least Concern
(International Red List)
Data Deficient
(Martinique 2020 Red List, Guadeloupe 2022 Red List)
Habitat
The Dwarf Sperm Whale is found in temperate and tropical waters and is often seen out at sea from the edge of the continental shelf. It can apparently dive to depths of 900 m.
Reproduction
It reaches sexual maturity at around 3 to 5 years and gives birth after 9 to 12 months of gestation.
Diet
A teuthophagous carnivore, i.e., feeding mainly on cephalopods.
Pépin, le cachalot nain, a effectué 3 sauts proche de la plage dès le vendredi matin.
Amandine Escarguel / Office français de la biodiversité
Pépin, le cachalot nain, a effectué 3 sauts proche de la plage dès le vendredi matin.
Amandine Escarguel / Office français de la biodiversité
Morphological characteristics for identification at sea
- Head: small, short and square muzzle, small lower mandibles, blowhole shifted to the left, a clear mark called "false gill" can be present between the eye and pectoral fin, small grooves on throat
- Fins: dorsal fin centred, short flippers with pointed tips, very pointed tail flukes
- Spout: imperceptible
- Colouring: sides grey-brown or grey to bluish black, belly light grey or pinkish white
Illustration Cachalot nain / Dwarf Sperm Whale (Kogia sima)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Illustration Cachalot nain / Dwarf Sperm Whale (Kogia sima)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Did you know?
The Dwarf Sperm Whale often floats at the surface and sinks before diving.