Tasmacetus [Tasmacetus]

Description

Tasmacetus, known as the Shepherd's beaked whale, is a genus containing a single species, Tasmacetus shepherdi, within the family Ziphiidae. This whale is unique among beaked whales for having a full set of functional teeth in both jaws, unlike other genera where teeth are often reduced or absent in the upper jaw. It is a medium-sized whale with a long, robust body, small dorsal fin, and dark grey coloration. Shepherd's beaked whales are deep divers and are presumed to feed on squid and small fish. They inhabit the Southern Ocean and the cold temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere, and are among the least observed and understood of all cetaceans due to their deep, off-shore habitat preferences.

Species

Shepherd's Beaked Whale [Tasmacetus shepherdi]

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Taxonomy