| Scientific name: | Hyperoodon planifrons |
| Family: | Ziphiidae |
| Range: | Southern Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Southern oceans |
| Habitat: | Deep oceanic waters |
| Status: | Low risk |
| Population: | Unknown |
| Diet: | Squid, fish and bottom-dwelling invertebrates |
| Length: | 6-10m |
| Weight: | 6.5-8.5 tons |
Identification
Flukes
Broad with no or small notch in the middle.
Dorsal Fin
Set back on the body. Trailing indented edge.
Flippers
Small with convex trailing edges.
Head Shape
Whitish or pale grey beak and bulbous melon with indentation beneath. Lower jaw extends beyond upper. Two teeth visible at tip of lower jaw in adult males.
Body
Colour from dark grey to tan or grey-brown with creamy brown or pale grey underside. Young whales are darker than adults.
Blow
Projects slightly forward about 1.9m high.
Group Size
Groups of 2-10, occasionally up to 25.
Behaviour
Dives last 10-60 minutes, may lie at surface for 10 minutes or more, blowing every 30-40 seconds before diving again. Occasionally lobtail or breach.