The pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata) is a poorly known and rarely seen oceanic dolphin. [3] It is the only species in the genus Feresa . It derives its common name from sharing some physical characteristics with the orca , also known as the killer whale.

Jan 14, 2025 · Despite its common name, the pygmy killer whale is a small member of the oceanic dolphin family. They are often confused with false killer whales and melon-headed whales. This species is found primarily in deep waters throughout tropical and subtropical areas of …

The pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata ) is a poorly known and rarely seen oceanic dolphin. It derives its common name from sharing some physical characteristics with the orca also known as the killer whale. It is the smallest cetacean species that has the word "whale" in its common name.

Seldomly seen in the wild, the mysterious and naturally rare pygmy killer whales closely guard their secrets of the deep. Despite being the namesake of the well-known killer whale, pygmy killer whales don’t actually look anything like killer whales.

Pygmy killer whales are described as aggressive animals that have been seen snapping their jaws, beating their flippers and flukes on the surface of the water, and growling. In captivity they elicit fear reactions from other cetaceans.

The pygmy killer whale has a thin body, a rounded head, and a narrow tail. It lacks the long snout that many people associate with dolphins. Its dorsal fin is high and curved at the tip just like its pectoral flippers.

Pygmy Killer Whales are known to be found in the tropics of the Pacific, Atlantic and the Indian Oceans. They are frequently seen in Hawaii and Japan. They are also found in the Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, The Indian Ocean, South Eastern Atlantic Ocean, and also near Sri Lanka.

Length and Weight: The pygmy killer whale reaches 7 to 8 ft (2.1 to 2.4 m) and exceeds 350 lb (160 kg). Teeth: 10 to 13 are found on each side of the upper and lower jaws. Feeding: The diet includes squid and small fish.

Graced with an elegant, slender body and long, rounded flippers, pygmy killer whales are naturally svelte. Predominantly black or deep grey, their bodies are bedecked with a subtle yet well-defined black dorsal cape.

Jan 15, 2025 · A Pygmy killer whale — rarely seen in the shallow waters that surround the Florida Keys — was found injured, sick and stranded just off a beach in the island chain on Sunday, a local marine...