Ziphius cavirostris - Cuvier's beaked whale
Ziphius cavirostris - Cuvier's beaked whale
The Zifio is the only representative of the Zifidi family present in the Mediterranean, although it is very rare to spot.The body, stocky and robust, appears similar to a torpedo and often greenish due to the accumulation of algae on the surface.
By carefully observing the head, you notice that the dividing line between the forehead and rostrum is missing, but certainly the most striking aspect is that of the mouth. The buccal line has a characteristic S-shape that gives a kind of perennial grin to representatives of this species. The mandible also protrudes from the upper jaw. In males, two small teeth are clearly visible even when the mouth is completely closed, and they are the only ones in a mouth that is toothless in females.
This species still holds many secrets and little information is available to researchers. The lack of information is explained by the shy and shy nature of this animal. The rare information we have was unfortunately found through the analysis of stranded animals.
The only certain thing is that it prefers seas with very deep bottoms, so it performs good apneas and suffers a lot of sound disturbances, like sperm whales.
CARATTERISTICHE
Colorazione - Grigio/Marrone/verde
Lunghezza adulto - 6 m
Peso adulto - 2500 kg
Peso nascita - 250 kg
Dieta - Molluschi, Pesci
Gruppo - 1 - 10 individui
Status - Pericolo
MINACCE
Inquinamento
Disturbo acustico