Stejneger's Beaked Whale
Stejneger's Beaked Whale is a little-known, and little-seen, cetacean. It inhabits the North Pacific and most data about this species has originated from Alaskan waters. It has also been recorded around Japan.
Classification: Although it was Frederick True who first described this species in 1885, it was named after his colleague, Leonard Stejneger, who found the first specimen.
Local Names: Bering Sea Beaked Whale; Sabre-Toothed Beaked Whale; North Pacific Beaked Whale.
Description: Few animals have been seen alive. Stejneger's Beaked Whale appears to be dark above and pale below, with the head and neck areas being paler. In adult males two large erupted teeth point forwards near the peak of the arched lower jaw. Both the largest male and largest female specimens measured 5.25m.
Recognition at sea: Unknown.
Habitat: Stejneger's Beaked Whale inhabits cold temperate and subarctic waters.
Food & Feeding:A stomach analysis of an adult Stejneger's Beaked Whale shows that squid is the main food source.
Behaviour: Stejneger's Beaked Whales travel in units of between five and fifteen individuals.
Longevity: Unknown.
Estimated Current Population: Unknown.
The Influence of Man: Unknown.
Source: CETACEA
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