Long-Finned Pilot Whale

Long-Finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala melas), is basically a dolphin which belongs to the family of Delphinidae. Though its name consists of the word whale but it is a dolphin in reality. These species are one of the largest members of the dolphin family. The males of these species are larger than the females. The males of these species can grow up to a size of 25 feet and weigh up to 2300 kg, whereas the females grow up to a size of 19 feet and weigh up to 1300 kg. They have a round head, which looks like a watermelon and their beak is quite smaller. These are medium-sized body animals, which has long and stocky body with curved mouthline. These are dark grey to black and have light-colored patches on their ventral fins.

Habitat

These species like to live in the temperate and tropical waters of northern and southern hemisphere all over the world. These are very social animals and they are mostly found in groups of about (20 to 90). The group consists of males, females and calves. It has been examined that the same male, which is in the group, may not be the father of the calves. This shows that a male can enter into their group for short time and mate with more than one female.

Diet

These dolphins feed mainly on squids, but they are also known to feed on herring, octopus, cuttlefish and other small fishes. It has (40 to 48) teeth, which helps them to catch or grasp their prey. An adult of these species can eat up to 30 pounds per day. They make high-pitched whistles and they use these powerful whistles among their group to track and catch their prey together.

Breeding / Reproduction

The males of these species reach sexual maturity at the size of (15 to 16) feet or at the age of 12 years, whereas the female reach sexual maturity at the size of 12 feet or at the age of (6 to 7) years. The gestation period in these species is about (12 to 15) months. Before mating the behavior like biting, ramming and butting can be seen which shows, the males competing with the females. The females give birth to a calf in every (3 to 5) year. The newborn calves are about 6 feet in length and weigh up to 225 pounds. The female nurses the calf for about 12 months. The male of these species have a life span of 46 years whereas the females have the life span of 60 years.

Conservation

These long-finned pilot whales are estimated to be about 1 million in numbers but the actual number is unknown to the scientists. These species are hunted on a large basis for their oil, meat and bone. They are also used to make fertilizers. These species adapt themselves very easily in the captivity and as a result they are exhibited in the zoo and aquariums. These species are not included in the list of endangered species.