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Discover the magnificent cetaceans of our oceans

Cuvier's Beaked Whale

Photo: By Charlotte Kirchner - https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/67103312, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=108352017

Least Concern

Cuvier's Beaked Whale

Z. cavirostris

About This Species

The most widely distributed and commonly observed beaked whale, reaching 5.1-6.9m length and 2-3.5 tons. Notable for extreme diving abilities with records of 2,992m depth and 222 minutes duration. Males develop distinctive light/white coloration on head extending posteriorly with age, while females remain darker. Found in all temperate and tropical oceans in deep waters >300m, feeding primarily on cephalopods and some fish.

Size

5.1-6.9m

Weight

2-3.5 tons