Gervais’ Beaked Whale
(Mesoplodon europaeus)
Identity card
Taxonomy
Order: Odontocetes
Family: Ziphiidae
Species: Mesoplodon europaeus
Measurements
4 to 7 m, weighing 600 to 800 kg
Lifespan
About 27 years
IUCN status
Least Concern
(International Red List)
Data Deficient
(Guadeloupe 2022 Red List, Martinique 2020 Red List)
Habitat
A pelagic species, Gervais' Beaked Whale lives offshore and is found in the warm temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Reproduction
Scientists have little information on its reproduction. It appears that it can have a calf every three years and that it reaches sexual maturity when it reaches a size of about 4.5m.
Diet
Gervais' Beaked Whale is a carnivore and feeds on deep-sea squid, some crustaceans and fish.
Morphological characteristics for distinction at sea
- Head: black rimmed eye, no melon/beak demarcations, the male has two small teeth protruding from the lower jaw (just like Cuvier's Beaked Whale males)
- Fins and flippers: small triangular dorsal fin on the last third of the body, short pectoral fins and caudal peduncle with a concave-shaped centre
- Colouring: beige to brown coat, darker ale line
Mâle de baleine à bec de Gervais remontant à la surface.
Marine Meunier / OMMAG
Mâle de baleine à bec de Gervais remontant à la surface.
Marine Meunier / OMMAG
Illustration Baleine à bec de Gervais / Gervais' Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon europaeus)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Illustration Baleine à bec de Gervais / Gervais' Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon europaeus)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Did you know?
Gervais' Beaked Whale is discreet and very rarely seen.
Banner photo credit: Cédric Millon / OMMAG