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Species Identification Guide
Long-Finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala melas)
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Length:
1.75-1.78m/5.8-5.9ft (newborn); 3.8-4.8(5.5)m/12.5-15.8(18.1)ft (adult female), 5.0-5.9(6.3)m/16.5-19.5(20.8)ft (adult male).
Head and Beak:
The Long-Finned Pilot Whale has square bulbous head (particularly in old males), slightly protruding upper lip.
Fin and Markings:
Long-Finned Pilot Whales have a fairly low, long-based dorsal fin, slightly forward of centre of back, sickle-shaped to flag-shaped with age. Black or dark grey head and back, greyish-white anchor-shaped patch on chin, and grey area on belly.
ID:
Slow-swimming; bulbous head, dark back, low fin and long flippers distinguish the Long-Finned Pilot Whale.
Status and Distribution:
Common and widely distributed in deep northern European waters, but seasonally enter coastal areas such as around the Faroe Islands, North Scotland, Western Ireland and the Channel Approaches west of England. Long-Finned Pilot Whales are also common in the Mediterranean Sea. Recorded in all months of the year, but mainly June-September in the north, and November-January further south.
View detailed distribution maps
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Media
Download Long-Finned Pilot Whale movie
Download Long-Finned Pilot Whale sounds