Melon-Headed Whale
The Melon-Headed Whale (Peponocephala electra) is known by several different names; Many-Toothed Blackfish and Electra Dolphin. It is actually a member of the Delphinidae family, which are oceanic dolphins. The Melon-Headed Whale is related to the Pygmy Killer Whales and Pilot Whales, which are all known as ‘blackfish’.
Melon-Headed Whales are not commonly seen as they prefer to stay in deep water. They are quite common however, living all over the world in tropical waters. These mammals can be found swimming alone, or in groups, looking for their primary food source, squid. They can be found in groups of around 100 animals, and in rare cases have been seen in groups of 1000.
The Melon-Headed Whale gets in name from its shape. Their body has a torpedo shape, which rounds off asymmetrically at the head. Their skin is a light grey with their face having a darker shade. The flippers of these whales are pointed and quite long, and their dorsal fin is pointed.
Melon-Headed Whale Statistics
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Maximum Length: 3 meters
Maximum Weight: 200 kilograms
Estimated Lifespan: Males – 20 Years, Females – 30 Years
Melon-Headed Whale Population and Range
As mentioned previously, the Melon-Headed Whale is common all over the world in tropical waters. It lives well-off shore, staying in deep water. There have however, been sightings near Ireland, when temperate waters have been warmer than usual. The narrow continental shelves of the Philippines and Hawaii are excellent sighting places. When these whales move quickly, they tend to swim close to the surface in these areas, and jump out of the water.
Melon-Headed Whale Classification
Lack of scientific research with this species has produced a couple different classifications for the Melon-Headed Whale. Below is the latest taxonomical classification.
| - Kingdom: Animalia |
| - Phylum: Chordata |
| - Class: Mammalia |
| - Order: Cetacea |
| - Suborder: Odontoceti |
| - Family: Delphinidae |
| - Genus: Peponocephala |
| - Species: Peponocephala electra |
Melon-Headed Whale Pictures
A Melon-Headed Whale swimming in deep waters. (Photo taken by Keith Mullen) .