Short-finned Pilot Whaleコビレゴンドウ

Species Data

Classification

Artiodactyla / Delphinidae Source

Distribution

Found in tropical and subtropical waters across the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans, including around Hawaii, the Canary Islands, and Japan, with a range that is shifting northward due to warming seas. Source

Did You Know?

• Short-finned pilot whales regularly dive beyond 500 m and have been recorded diving as deep as 1,018 m, sustaining the dive for about 21 minutes while hunting squid. Source
• Pods are organized around a matrilineal hierarchy led by an elder female, and within groups of 10–30 individuals, females often outnumber males by roughly 8 to 1. Source
• Females stop reproducing around age 40 despite often living past 60, giving them a long post-reproductive lifespan similar to human menopause—a trait rare among animals. Source

FAQ

How deep can short-finned pilot whales dive?

They dive beyond 500 meters routinely and have been recorded reaching depths of 1,018 meters, staying submerged for about 21 minutes while pursuing squid. Source

Do short-finned pilot whales go through menopause?

Yes. Females typically stop reproducing around age 40 despite often living past 60, giving them a long post-reproductive lifespan—one of the few known examples of menopause-like biology outside humans. Source

How are short-finned pilot whale pods structured?

Pods of roughly 10–30 individuals are organized around a matrilineal hierarchy led by an elder female, with females typically outnumbering males by about 8 to 1. Source