Pygmy Sperm Whale

The pygmy sperm whale is a small deep-water whale with a blunt, shark-like head, underslung jaw and pale crescent behind each eye. Its dorsal fin is small and set well behind mid-body, helping distinguish it from the similar but smaller dwarf sperm whale (NOAA Fisheries).

It occurs worldwide in deep temperate and tropical waters, usually over continental slopes. Mostly squid are taken during dives, with fish and crustaceans also eaten. The species is rarely observed alive at sea, and much knowledge comes from strandings; it may release dark intestinal fluid when alarmed (NOAA Fisheries). It is Nationally Endangered (Thailand Red Data 2025).