Pygmy Killer Whale
| Scientific Name | Feresa attenuata |  | |
| English Common Name | Pygmy Killer Whale | ||
| Taxonomy | Class: Mammalia Order: Cetacea Sub-order: Odontoceti Family: Delphinidae Genus: Feresa Species: attenuata | ||
| Behaviour | Pygmy killer whales are known to actively avoid boats although there is some documentation of individuals bow-riding. Generally speaking it is not an acrobatic species although it has been seen breaching, spy-hopping and lob-tailing and is known to be quite an active swimmer. Usually found in smaller groups of between 15 – 50 individuals; another good identifying feature. | ||
| World Distribution | Pygmy killer whales are found in the tropical and sub-tropical offshore waters around the world. They prefer deep water and are very rarely seen near shore except around oceanic islands. | ||
| Morphology | Relatively little is known about this species despite it being widely distributed throughout its range. Similar in size to many dolphins (adults can grow to 2.1 – 2.6m and weigh between 110 – 170 kg) and most likely to be confused with the Melon-headed whale, there are a few characteristics that make it identifiable. Pygmy killer whales have large, robust bodies with a very rounded head and no beak. Most individuals have white lips and some also have a white chin. They have a dark grey or brownish grey cape on their upper side, paler grey sides and a large white patch on their underbelly. They have a tall slightly pointed dorsal fin and long flippers with a rounded edge. | ||
| Threats | The primary threat is incidental entanglement in fishing nets. Other threats include vessel collision. | ||
| Status | No estimate of total abundance for the species is available. | ||
| Conservation Activities | CMS “not listed” IUCN – Data Deficient | ||
