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
(International Red List)
Data Deficient
(Martinique 2020 Red List, Guadeloupe 2022 Red List)
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