top of page

Short-Finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus)

Thick, hooked dorsal fin shape

Globicephala-macrorhynchus-1.png

Light gray/white patch behind fin

Massive rounded melon, squarer in males

Thick, hooked

dorsal fin shape

Beak absent; snout extremely short

Overall dark brown to

dark gray

  • Length: Large dolphin reaching roughly 5–7.2 metres

  • Group Size: Strongly social, living in stable family groups

  • Key Features: Bulbous head, dark body, long curved flippers

  • Behaviour: Deep diver; tight group surfacing and coordinated movements

  • Habitat: Deep tropical to warm‑temperate offshore waters worldwide

  • Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List

short-finned-pilot-whale-nicola-hodgins4.jpg
short-finned-pilot-whale-nicola-hodgins5.jpg
bottom of page