Mammals of the WorldSouthern Bottlenose Whale
Hyperoodon planifrons
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Ziphiidae
- Genus
- Hyperoodon
- IUCN status
- LC
- Distribution
- Antarctica|Argentina|Australia|Brazil|Chile|Falkland Islands|New Zealand|South Africa|Uruguay
- Realm
- Marine
Other names: Antarctic Bottlenose|Flatheaded Bottlenosed Whale|Flower's Bottle-nosed Whale|Pacific Beaked Whale
About this species
- Size
- Length 7–8 m
- Habitat
- Deep subantarctic ocean
- Range
- Surrounding seas
Hyperoodon planifrons is a robust beaked whale of the Southern Ocean. It differs from Arnoux’s beaked whale through its shorter beak and bulbous forehead, especially in adult males. Adults are grey-brown with a pale underside and small, swept-back flippers. The dorsal fin is small and placed well behind mid-body.
It ranges through deep subantarctic and Antarctic waters, including seas south of New Zealand. It is rarely identified close to the mainland. It is a deep diver that feeds mainly on squid and fish. Animals are usually seen alone or in small groups.
The New Zealand classification is Data Deficient. Subantarctic voyages south of Campbell Island offer only an occasional chance of encounter.
Description: Wildlife of New Zealand guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com)