Sperm Whale

Dwarf Sperm Whale
Source: www.swimmingwithgentlegiants.com

Dwarf Sperm Whale, Kogia sima, is one of the cetacean species occurring in Nigerian territorial waters, generally living over the continental shelf and slope off tropical and temperate coasts of all oceans. Whales are called Jaagbárùrù in Yoruba, both in reference to the size of this supposed fish. The Dwarf sperm whale are frequently seen at the surface either alone or in small groups of up to 6-10 animals. They are not easily detected because of their habit of lying motionless near the sea surface far from the shore. They have the shortest rostrum among cetaceans and appear very similar to the pygmy sperm whale but smaller, having an approximate length of 3 meters and weighing about 400 kg. They also differ by having a larger, taller dorsal fin, higher on its back. The slightly pointed snout overlaps the tiny underslung jaw and a gill-like marking behind the eye, making it resemble a stranded shark. Gestation in this mammalian species takes 11 months after which a single calf is born.

Contributor:
Tope Apoola
Profession: Writer