CaRMS taxon details
Ziphiidae Gray, 1850
- Genus Hyperoodon Lacépède, 1804
- Genus Mesoplodon Gervais, 1850
- Genus Ziphius Cuvier, 1823
marine, terrestrial
Not documented
Description The taxonomy of this group is unresolved, and is currently under study. Although likely to change, there are 19 species...
Description The taxonomy of this group is unresolved, and is currently under study. Although likely to change, there are 19 species currently recognised. The beaked whales are medium-sized cetaceans (4 to 13 m long), which as a rule, have reversed sexual dimorphism (females larger than males). In general, beaked whales have a pronounced beak, relatively small dorsal fin set far back on the body, small flippers that fit into depressions on the sides, 2 short throat grooves, flukes without a notch, and no more than 1 or two pairs of functional teeth in the lower jaw of the males only (major exceptions are Berardius, in which females also have two pairs of exposed teeth, and Tamacetus, in which both sexes have long rows of slender functional teeth). Beaked whales are poorly known as a rule; however, most are thought to be deep-diving squid feeders. They generally travel in small groups. <123> [details]
Fordyce, E.; Perrin, W.F. (2024). World Cetacea Database. Ziphiidae Gray, 1850. Accessed through: Nozères, C., Kennedy, M.K. (Eds.) (2024) Canadian Register of Marine Species at: https://www.marinespecies.org/carms/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=136986 on 2025-03-24
Nozères, C., Kennedy, M.K. (Eds.) (2025). Canadian Register of Marine Species. Ziphiidae Gray, 1850. Accessed at: https://www.marinespecies.org/carms/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=136986 on 2025-03-24
Date
action
by
basis of record
van der Land, J. (2001). Tetrapoda, <B><I>in</I></B>: Costello, M.J. <i>et al.</i> (Ed.) (2001). <i>European register of marine species: a check-list of the marine species in Europe and a bibliography of guides to their identification. Collection Patrimoines Naturels,</i> 50: pp. 375-376 (look up in IMIS) [details]
additional source Jefferson, T.A.; Leatherwood, S.; Webber, M.A. (1993). Marine mammals of the world. <em>FAO Species identification guide.</em> FAO: Rome, Italy. ISBN 92-5-103292-0. VIII, 320 pp. (look up in IMIS) [details]
additional source Jefferson, T.A.; Leatherwood, S.; Webber, M.A. (1993). Marine mammals of the world. <em>FAO Species identification guide.</em> FAO: Rome, Italy. ISBN 92-5-103292-0. VIII, 320 pp. (look up in IMIS) [details]
Present Inaccurate Introduced: alien Containing type locality
Unreviewed
Description The taxonomy of this group is unresolved, and is currently under study. Although likely to change, there are 19 species currently recognised. The beaked whales are medium-sized cetaceans (4 to 13 m long), which as a rule, have reversed sexual dimorphism (females larger than males). In general, beaked whales have a pronounced beak, relatively small dorsal fin set far back on the body, small flippers that fit into depressions on the sides, 2 short throat grooves, flukes without a notch, and no more than 1 or two pairs of functional teeth in the lower jaw of the males only (major exceptions are Berardius, in which females also have two pairs of exposed teeth, and Tamacetus, in which both sexes have long rows of slender functional teeth). Beaked whales are poorly known as a rule; however, most are thought to be deep-diving squid feeders. They generally travel in small groups. <123> [details]
