Wildlifeof Thailand
Melon-headed Whale
Delphinidae
Photo: (c) rjtizard, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY (May be cropped or resized)
Peponocephala electra
Basic stats
Diet
Fish, squid, cuttlefish and shrimp
Habitat
Deep tropical oceanic waters
Size
Up to about 2.7m
Weight
Up to about 209kg
The melon-headed whale is a robust oceanic dolphin with a tapering rounded head, no beak, pointed flippers and a tall curved dorsal fin. Its dark face mask and dorsal cape can be subtle at sea. Adults reach about 2.7 m and 209 kg (NOAA Fisheries).
It lives mainly in deep tropical waters and often forms highly social groups of hundreds, sometimes mixing with Fraser's, spinner and other dolphins. Groups tend to rest in the morning, socialize later and feed at night on fish, squid, cuttlefish and shrimp. Gestation is about twelve months (NOAA Fisheries). It is Nationally Least Concern (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What does the Melon-headed Whale eat?
- Fish, squid, cuttlefish and shrimp
- What habitat does the Melon-headed Whale live in?
- Deep tropical oceanic waters
- How big is the Melon-headed Whale?
- Up to about 2.7m
- How much does the Melon-headed Whale weigh?
- Up to about 209kg