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24 May 2013
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Gervais' beaked whale
Mesoplodon europaeus

The first recorded Gervais' beaked whale was found floating in the English Channel in the 1840s.

Subspecies
None.

Life span
Unknown.

Statistics
Body length: 4.5-5.2m, Weight: 1-2 tonnes.

Physical description
Gervais' beaked whales have a dark upper-surface, and light under-surface. They have a prominent, narrow beak, a slightly bulging forehead, white patches on the belly and a small dorsal fin. The teeth are visible.

Distribution
Gervais' beaked whales live in the sub-tropical and warm temperate regions of the N Atlantic (mainly Western).

Diet
They feed on squid.

Behaviour
Gervais' beaked whales live in groups of 2-6.

Conservation status
They are classified as Data Deficient by the 2000 Red List.





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