Long Finned Pilot Whale

Maximum longevity: 60 years (captivity) Observations: Maximum longevity has been estimated to be around 60 years, which is plausible. Males appear to be longer-lived than females and attain sexual maturity at later ages (Ronald Nowak 1999). Pregnant females have been reported up to 55 years of age. The MRDT was calculated to be about 10 and the IMR 0.015 for females (Foote 2008). One wild born specimen was still alive in captivity at 37.8 years of age (Richard Weigl 2005).

squid mostly but also a variety of fish.

in all oceans except Northern Indian Ocean and North Pacific (where they occurred historically off Japan).

Antarctica/Southern Ocean; Southeast Pacific; Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Indo-West Pacific; Western Atlantic Ocean

temperate and subpolar, mostly oceanic

offshore; generally occupy areas of high relief or submerged banks.

Data Deficient (DD)

Distinguishing characteristics: black-coloured whales with a white belly, spherical melon and a robust body. No constriction at the neck and the body is quite cylindrical from the head backward to the region of the dorsal fin. Dorsal fin has a long base, it is low, directed backwards and is set for forward on the body. 8-13 teeth in each of the 4 jaws and flippers which are 1/5 of the body length.