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Large mammals
Long-finned pilot whale
Long-finned pilot whale · Globicephala melas
Long-finned pilot whales are fascinating, social whales that live in groups and perform impressive leaps.
Fact file
- Size
- Up to 7.5 metres long and weighing up to 3 tonnes.
- Males and females
- Male long-finned pilot whales are larger than females and often have longer fins.
- Sounds
- Long-finned pilot whales produce various whistling sounds that are used for communication.
- Diet
- Feeds mainly on squid, fish and crustaceans.
- Offspring
- Gestation lasts around 12 months; one calf is usually born every 4 to 6 years.
How to identify Long-finned pilot whale
Long-finned pilot whales are robustly built animals with a characteristic, thick body shape. Their colouration ranges from dark grey to black, often with lighter belly areas and distinctive white patches behind the eyes.
These whales can grow up to 7.5 metres long and reach a weight of up to 3 tonnes. The long fins and the distinctive, melon-shaped head are other easily recognisable features.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
- 2 places where you can see Long-finned pilot whale
Where Long-finned pilot whale live
Discover Long-finned pilot whale on your trip.
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