Gervais' Beaked Whale
Gervais' Beaked Whales are found in the western North Atlantic, commonly stranding along the coast of America from New York to Texas and Florida. Caribbran and West African strandings have also been reported. Oddly, there is no explanation for why the first specimen was found as far north as the English Channel.
Classification: The French biologist, Gervais, classified this species in 1855. Its specific name, europaeus, refers to where the first specimen was found - floating in the English Channel.
Local Names: Gulf Stream Beaked Whale; Antillean Beaked Whale; European Beaked Whale.
Description: Gervais' Beaked Whales are grey in colour, which lightens to a pale grey on the undersides. The head is small and sometimes has a white tip. Two small front teeth are found towards the front of the mouth. The longest male measured 4.5m, and the longest female 5.2m, which suggests sexual dimorphism.
Recognition at sea: Unknown.
Habitat: Gervais' Beaked Whale inhabits tropical to warm temperate waters in the Atlantic.
Food & Feeding: A stomach analysis of an adult Gervais' Beaked Whale shows that squid is the main food source.
Behaviour: Unknown.
Longevity: Unknown.
Estimated Current Population: Unknown.
The Influence of Man: Unknown.
Source: CETACEA
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