NORTHERN BOTTLENOSE WHALE

Hyperoodon ampullatus

The northern bottlenose whale is one of the best studied species in the beaked whale family. This robust whale is characterised by a large bulbous forehead which is more pronounced in older males. As with other beaked whale species, northern bottlenose whales can dive to extensive depths (over 1,400 m) where they feed mainly on squid, but also crustaceans and echinoderms (such as starfish and sea cucumbers). At a distance they can be mistaken for sperm whale because they have a similar blow which is inclined to the front left of the whale. Northern bottlenose whales are restricted to the north Atlantic, mainly in the cooler waters. They have been observed around the Azores, but not on regular basis. Here they are usually seen in groups of 4 – 20 individuals and are often very inquisitive towards boats.

Species Details

Length

Male: 11 m
Female: 9 m
Calf:  3 – 4 m

Weight

Male: 7,500 kg
Female: 7,500 kg

Species Specs

Global population: Unknown (population trend unknown)
Status: Data Deficient
Diet: Squid, fish, crustaceans, echinoderms
Teeth: 2 in the lower jaw (only males)
Longevity: 40 years
Breeding age: Unknown
Gestation: Unknown
Nursing: 1 year

In other languages

Portuguese: Baleia-de-bico-de-garrafa
Spanish: Zifio de frente plana del norte
French: Hypéroodon boreal
Italian: Iperodonte boreale
German: Nördlicher entenwal
Dutch: Noordelijke butskop
Swedish: Nordlig eller vanlig näbbval
Norwegian: Nebbhval, andehval, nordlig nebbhval
Danish: Nordlig døgling
Finnish: Pohjoisen pullokuonovalas
Polish:  Wal butelkonosy północny
Russian: Highbrow bottlenose

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