Globicephala melas (Long-finned Pilot Whale)
The northern subpsecies of the long-finned pilot whale inhabits the north Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and the western Mediterranean. They are a deep waters species and their seasonal movements may reflect the distribution of their prey.
Sightings in the Hebridean waters are widely distributed, and it is one of the more commonly stranded species.
Additional Information
Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit
Convention on Migratory Species, Appendix 2
Convention on Migratory Species, Small Cetaceans Agreement, Baltic, NE.Atlantic, Irish and North Seas
EC CITES Annex A
Bern Convention Appendix 2
EU Habitats Directive Annex 4
Scottish Biodiversity List of species of principal importance for biodiversity conservation
Globicephala melas is a is a member of the dolphin family with a characteristic prominent median notch in the flukes, a smooth crease-less throat and sharply pointed teeth. It has long and slender flippers and small tail flukes. The dorsal fin is low and broad-based and located on the forward third of the back. The head is conspicuously bulbous. It is very dark grey to black in colour above and on the sides but white underneath.
Identifying features
Up to 6.7 m in length.
Low, broad-based and blunt-tipped dorsal fin located on the forward third of the back.
Dorsally and laterally dark grey to black in colour with light grey saddle behind the dorsal fin.
Long slender flippers up to a quarter of the total body length.
Round globular head without a beak.
Upsloping mouthline.
Long-finned pilot whales are usually found in large groups of up to 1000 individuals. The blow may be up to 1 m tall. Dives may last up to 10 minutes long.
Morvan Barnes 2008. Globicephala melas. Long-finned pilot whale.
