Short-finned pilot whale
A species of Pilot whales, Also known as Pothead whale, Pacific pilot whale Scientific name : Globicephala macrorhynchus Genus : Pilot whales
Short-finned pilot whale, A species of Pilot whales
Also known as:
Pothead whale, Pacific pilot whale
Scientific name: Globicephala macrorhynchus
Genus: Pilot whales
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Katherine_Davis , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) is a cetacean found in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. A social animal, they travel in pods with family members that can number in the hundreds, led by an elder female. These pods sometimes become stranded on beaches, for reasons that are not fully understood. They are hunted for their meat and oil, although this is now prohibited by many countries.
People often ask
General Info
Lifespan
40-70 years
Diet
Short-finned pilot whale primarily consumes a diet of cephalopods, notably squid. This species, owing to its large size, also regularly feeds on small schooling fish to meet its nutritional requirements.
Appearance
Short-finned pilot whale is a large and robust marine mammal with a round, conical head and a robust, streamlined body. Its smooth skin ranges from black to dark grey, with a lighter, often white, patch on its belly. It lacks a noticeable beak and has long, paddle-shaped flippers. Distinguishing markings or features, such as horns or wings, are absent. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Short-finned pilot whale exhibit strong social bonds, often found in tightly knit pods. They engage in coordinated hunting of prey, primarily squid and fish, using deep dives and stranding techniques. Short-finned pilot whale are highly vocal for communication, with males showing territorial behavior through physical displays.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Whales and dolphins Family
Oceanic dolphins Genus
Pilot whales Species
Short-finned pilot whale 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
