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5 of the Ocean’s Smallest Whale Species

5 of the Ocean’s Smallest Whale Species

Written by Scuba.com
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Updated on June 27, 2023
a dwarf minke whale
TAGS: whales

The Order Cetacea (or Cetaceans) consists of 86 species that are divided into two parvorders: baleen whales (mysticetes) and toothed whales (odontocetes). Cetaceans vary greatly in size, appearance, behavior, and distribution.

While most people assume that these underwater mammals are invariably large and slow, the oceans house numerous small whale species (some as small as seven feet in length). And among the many little whale breeds inhabiting our oceans, there are some breeds that stand out for their really tiny build. Let’s take a look at five of the smallest types of whales you can find throughout our world’s oceans.

a beluga whale in clear blue water
Image via Shutterstock

5 of the Smallest Whale Species in the Ocean

  • Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)
  • Dwarf Sperm Whale
  • Pygmy Right Whale
  • Beluga Whale
  • Pygmy Killer Whale

Vaquita

The vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus) is the world’s smallest whale species at nearly five feet (1.5 meters) in length. Endemic to the Gulf of California’s shallow waters, this marine mammal swims near the gulf’s shoreline. Vaquitas have eyes with surrounding large dark rings and lips with dark patches. These little whales also feature thin lines running from their mouths to their pectoral fins (the patches on their lips create these lines).

As for their other physical characteristics, vaquitas feature a dark gray dorsal surface and a white ventral surface. Long markings in a light gray hue cover the underside of this species. These porpoises have pale gray sides as well. Vaquitas are stocky with flat heads and no visible beak, and their long dorsal fins slightly curve backward.

Sadly, experts have deemed these little whales to be the most endangered marine mammals in the world. Illegal fishing in marine protected areas around the Gulf of Mexico have contributed to the decline in the vaquita population. These operations usually catch and drown the critically endangered species in gillnets, resulting in a reduced population within the last few years.

Dwarf Sperm Whale

Among the 72 toothed whale species in existence (and among all whale species), the dwarf sperm whale is the smallest with a length of nearly nine feet. This small toothed whale weighs between 400 to 600 lbs on average. Dwarf sperm whales have a stocky appearance that narrows down the closer you get to their tails and flukes. Plus, they’ve got bluish-gray bodies and lighter colored underbodies.

Dwarf sperm whales boast up to three pairs of teeth in their upper jaw and seven to 13 pairs of teeth in their lower jaw. They also have dark rings around their dark, bulging eyes. This species is similar in appearance to the pygmy sperm whale, making it difficult to tell them apart. But this small whale distinguishes itself from the pygmy sperm whale with its slightly bigger dorsal fin.

When it comes to habitat, you can find dwarf sperm whales in tropical and temperate seas worldwide. The waters in Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, California, the western North Atlantic, and the northern Gulf of Mexico house these little whales. You can also swim with dwarf sperm whales in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, and other areas.

Did You Know?

The dwarf sperm whale gets its name from spermaceti, a waxy substance located inside its head.

Pygmy Right Whale

If the toothed whales have the dwarf sperm whale as their smallest species, the baleen whales have the pygmy right whale. Experts consider this specimen to be the smallest baleen whale at 6.1 meters (or 20 feet) long. Pygmy right whales weigh an estimated five tons (4,500 kg) and look very similar to minke whales, another baleen whale species.

Aside from a similar appearance to minke whales, pygmy right whales also share the same mouth shape with other right whales. The species features arched upper jaws and bowed lower jaws. But the color on pygmy right whales makes them different from their relatives. Their bodies feature a dark gray upper body and a white underside.

Pygmy right whales are endemic to the Southern Hemisphere’s temperate waters. Tasmania gets a year’s worth of pygmy right whale sightings, while South Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Falkland Islands, and some parts of Antarctica get seasonal sightings.

Beluga Whale

With lengths ranging from 13 to 20 feet, the beluga or white whale is much smaller than many other marine mammals. Its size makes the species one of the smallest whales in the world. Belugas are distinct from other small toothed whales with their all-white appearance and rounded, protruding foreheads. They have gray or brown calves that fade to white when they experience sexual maturity at nearly five years of age.

Belugas are extremely vocal, too: they communicate with others through a diversified language of clicks, whistles, and clangs. Plus, the species can imitate a variety of other sounds. Their birdlike sounds have earned them the nickname “sea canaries” from scientists and sailors. You can find beluga whales in Arctic waters worldwide and in Canada’s St. Lawrence River.

Pygmy Killer Whale

The last Cetacean on our list might have “killer whale” in its common name, but don’t let this fact fool you. Pygmy killer whales are the smallest species among the oceanic dolphin family with a maximum length of 8.5 feet. Newborns are nearly 2.6 feet long, while adults are 6.5 feet long. These small dolphins can weigh up to 496 lbs.

Pygmy killer whales share the same appearance as melon-headed whales. The former’s small face has a rounded melon elongating in front of their mouth. However, pygmy killer whales have frequent paired white tooth rakes and a clear line running between their darker cape and lighter lateral color. These characteristics make the species distinct from melon-headed whales.

Pygmy killer whales like roaming in the lower depths of warmer tropical and subtropical waters—areas where their prey usually gather. Sometimes, these little whales can come quite close to the surrounding shores of oceanic islands. Hawaii, the Northern Gulf of Mexico, and the western North Atlantic are a few areas where you can see pygmy killer whales.

Conclusion

The world of whales never ceases to amaze us, and the smallest whale species stand as a testament to the remarkable diversity and adaptability of these majestic creatures. From the elusive vaquita to the petite dwarf sperm whale, these diminutive giants of the ocean hold an important place in our understanding of marine ecosystems.

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