False Killer Whale
(Pseudorca crassidens)
Identity card
Taxonomy
Order: Odontocetes
Family: Delphinidae
Species: Pseudorca crassidens
Measurements
3.5 to 6 m, weighing 917 to 2 000 kg
Lifespan
Up to 60 years
IUCN status
Near Threatened
Habitat
The False Killer Whale is found in deep (200-2000 m) tropical and temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but it can occasionally be observed in shallower waters.
Pseudorque (Pseudorca crassidens) à la Désirade durant la campagne Agoa en saison sèche 2013.
Dany Moussa / Mon école - ma baleine
Pseudorque (Pseudorca crassidens) à la Désirade durant la campagne Agoa en saison sèche 2013.
Dany Moussa / Mon école - ma baleine
Reproduction
Sexual maturity is reached between 8 and 12 years. After a gestation period of 14 to 16 months, the False Killer Whale can give birth to a calf every 7 years.
Diet
It feeds on fish, such as bonito and tuna, and molluscs. It may occasionally attack small dolphins.
Morphological characteristics for distinction at sea
- Head: fairly pronounced melon, conical profile, no rostrum
- Fins and flippers: sickle-shaped and straight dorsal fin, located in the middle of the back, long and pointed pectoral fin towards the front of the body with a hump on the outer side
- Spout: quite visible, bush-shaped
- Swim sequence: frequently rides bow waves
- Colouring: dark, greyish black without scars
Pseudorque / False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Pseudorque / False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Did you know?
The False Killer Whale is a fierce predator and can attack animals much bigger than itself.
Banner photo credit: Dany Moussa / Mon école - ma baleine