Pygmy Killer Whale
(Feresa attenuata)
Identity card
Taxonomy
Order: Odontocetes
Family: Delphinidae
Species: Feresa attenuata
Measurements
2 to 2.6 m, weighing 100 to 225 kg
Lifespan
At least 21 years
IUCN status
Least Concern
(International Red List)
Data Deficient
(Martinique 2020 Red List, Guadeloupe 2022 Red List)
Habitat
The Pygmy Killer Whale is found in tropical and subtropical waters where it lives at depths between 110 and 2800 m.
Reproduction
Sexual maturity is attained when the animal reaches about 2.1 m. Unfortunately, no more is known about the reproduction of the Pygmy Killer Whale.
Diet
The Pygmy Killer Whale is a carnivore feeding on molluscs, fish and small crustaceans.
Orque pygmée (Feresa attenuata) sortant la tête de l'eau.
Dany Moussa / Mon école - ma baleine
Orque pygmée (Feresa attenuata) sortant la tête de l'eau.
Dany Moussa / Mon école - ma baleine
Morphological characteristics for distinction at sea
- Head: small and round, bulbous melon, no rostrum
- Fins and flippers: high and almost triangular dorsal fin pointing slightly backwards, pectoral fins with rounded tips
- Colouring: dark grey to black back with a cape slightly running down onto the back, grey flanks, light grey to white belly, white lips
Orque pygmée / Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Orque pygmée / Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Did you know?
It may snap its jaws and pound the water with its fins when it feels in danger.
Banner photo credit: Dany Moussa/Mon école-ma baleine