How to translate text using browser tools
9 October 2008 Kogia Breviceps (Cetacea: Kogiidae)
Brian E. Bloodworth, Daniel K. Odell
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Kogia breviceps (de Blainville, 1838) is a cetacean commonly called the pygmy sperm whale. A diminutive relative of the sperm whale and difficult to identify in the field, it is 1 of only 2 members of the genus Kogia. It is endemic to offshore waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans in temperate and tropical regions. It is considered solitary and deep-diving in pursuit of cephalopod prey. Abundance is poorly known, although it is protected under U.S. federal and international law. No specimens have ever been maintained permanently in captivity, and, temporary holding of stranded individuals has rarely been nonlethal.

Brian E. Bloodworth and Daniel K. Odell "Kogia Breviceps (Cetacea: Kogiidae)," Mammalian Species 2008(819), 1-12, (9 October 2008). https://doi.org/10.1644/819.1
Published: 9 October 2008
KEYWORDS
asymmetrical skull
Cetacean
marine mammal
Odontoceti
pygmy sperm whale
whale biology
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top