Beaked Whales

The taxonomy of this group is unresolved, and is currently under study. Although likely to change, there are 19 species currently recognised. The beaked whales are medium-sized cetaceans (4 to 13 m long), which as a rule, have reversed sexual dimorphism (females larger than males). In general, beaked whales have a pronounced beak, relatively small dorsal fin set far back on the body, small flippers that fit into depressions on the sides, 2 short throat grooves, flukes without a notch, and no more than 1 or two pairs of functional teeth in the lower jaw of the males only (major exceptions are Berardius, in which females also have two pairs of exposed teeth, and Tamacetus, in which both sexes have long rows of slender functional teeth). Beaked whales are poorly known as a rule; however, most are thought to be deep-diving squid feeders. They generally travel in small groups. <123>