Dwarf Sperm Whale - Kogia simus


This is the smallest species of whale in the world ranging from 6-8 and a half feet in length and weighing 300-550 pounds. Little is known of this shy, normally deep ocean dwelling species. Its blowhole is slightly displaced to the left side, like its cousin the great Sperm whale. The Dwarf sperm can be found in the Sea of Cortez in every month of the year. It is nicknamed the "basking whale" because of its habit of resting exposed on the surface appearing much like a floating log. It usually emits a soft puff with no spout visible and drops below the surface unobtrusively. The pointy dorsal fin usually gives the very keen eyed observer a chance to recognize what he or she is actually seeing. Very occasionally a Dwarf sperm whale will allow a close approach; however, they will usually act shy and drop below the surface even when approached from a fairly long distance. Occasionally the Dwarf sperm whale has been seen to breach, but no instances of boat curiosity have been recorded. Like their other Sperm whale cousins, the Dwarf sperm whales prefer to hunt and eat squid, and for its size this species is an impressively deep diver. They have been known to dive to 1000 feet below the surface.

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