Mammals of the WorldGray's Beaked Whale
Mesoplodon grayi
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Ziphiidae
- Genus
- Mesoplodon
- IUCN status
- LC
- Distribution
- Argentina|Australia|Brazil|Chile|Falkland Islands|French Southern and Antarctic Lands|Maldives|New Zealand|Peru|South Africa|Prince Edward Islands|South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands|Uruguay|Antarctica?
- Realm
- Marine
Other names: Scamperdown Whale|Southern Beaked Whale
About this species
- Size
- Length 5–6 m
- Habitat
- Deep temperate and subantarctic waters
- Range
- Surrounding seas
Mesoplodon grayi is a slender Southern Hemisphere beaked whale regularly stranded in New Zealand. It differs from other Mesoplodon species through its long narrow beak and distinctive tooth arrangement. It is grey above and paler below, with a small dorsal fin far back. Adult males have two triangular teeth midway along the lower jaw.
It occurs in deep waters around New Zealand and other cool Southern Hemisphere regions. Most knowledge here comes from strandings rather than sightings. It probably eats squid and deep-water fish during long dives. Small groups may be seen, but surface behaviour is subdued.
The current New Zealand classification is Not Threatened. Kaikōura pelagic trips offer a slim chance; specimens are more often documented after strandings.
Description: Wildlife of New Zealand guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com)