Mesoplodon densirostris
Blainville's beaked whale

This species has a world-wide distribution.

Mesoplodon densirostris is found in both temperate and tropical waters. These animals seem to prefer to travel in deep waters, and are most common in Hawaii, where the ocean reaches depths of 1000 fathoms.

Head and body length ranges from 3 to 7m, pectoral fin length measures 20 to 70cm, dorsal fin height measures 15 to 20cm, and tail fluke width is approximately 100cm. Color varies from silver-gray to brown above and light gray to white below. The body is marked with scars and sctratches. Young are lighter in color. Two large teeth protrude from the middle of the mandible. These teeth point upward above the head of the whale, and they are often sheathed with a layer of barnacles. The other teeth are poorly developed and non-functional. The mouths of the female and young are slightly upcurved.

This whale is able to stay underwater for 10 to 40 minutes. It breathes only a few times before diving again. Animals of this species can be identified in the water by their characteristic surfacing behavior; they thrust the chin and snout out of the water, and then rock the head back into the water as the the back and dorsal fin surface. Members of this genus usually travel alone or in small groups.

Mesoplodon densirostris feeds in deep waters on fish and squid.

Small numbers of this genus are taken by commercial fisheries.

Mesoplodon densirostris is listed a IUCN-Appendix II.

Until 1972, this species was known only from skeletal remains. Since then, specimens have been washed ashore and others have been seen alive near the Hawaiian Islands.