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The Melon-Headed
Whale is significantly smaller than most species, with
an average length of 6-10 feet. As its name implies,
this creature has a melon-shaped head that comes to
a slight point. Its dorsal fin sits high and curved
on its slender body, and its skin color ranges form
dark gray, to blue-black, to dark brown. Melon-headed
whales often are marked with a dark strip that travels
from head to fin and out to the flanks. Some individuals
have a dark gray area in the shape of an anchor on the
undersides of their white lips, and the mask-like effect
is reminiscent of Pilot Whales. This species has 20-25
pairs of teeth on both the upper and lower jaw.
The Melon-Headed Whale should not be confused with
the Pygmy Killer Whale, which is an even smaller species,
and the False Killer Whale, which is larger. To distinguish
between them, just look for the trademark pointed
head and a more curved dorsal fin.
This species has strong family ties. An average family
unit has between 100-500 individuals, and an extended
family can have as many as 2,000. Melon-headed whales
are a high-energy breed, and they often socialize
with dolphins. Mass strandings of these rapid swimmers
are common. |
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