Galapagos Dwarf Sperm Whale

Name: Galapagos Dwarf Sperm Whale
Family: Kogidae & Physteridae
Scientific Name: Kogia simus
Length: 9 feet
Weight: 300-600 pounds (135-270 kg)

Adult Length: 2.1 - 2.8 m (6.9 - 9.1 ft)
Blow: Blowhole displaced slightly to the left; blow low and faint
Breaching: Leaps vertically
Deep dive: Tail flukes not raised
Group size: 1-10

Category: Sperm Whales

Three species or Sperm whales have been recorded in Galapagos. Although the sperm whales include two families and the largest and smallest species of toothed whale, their basic body plans are very similar. They have a characteristic large blunt head, low underslung jaw, and a blowhole positioned to the left of the centre of the head. Sperm whales are deep divers, capable of staying below for considerable periods of time as they hunt for squid and fish.

Occasional offshore and inshore.

Identification:
Very similar to Pygmy Sperm Whale (see identification notes for that species below) but marginally smaller and best identified by its slightly larger dorsal fin positioned centrally on the back. Identification remains very difficult without exceptionally good views and consequently observations at sea are often recorded as Pygmy / Dwarf Sperm Whale.