Mesoplodon ginkgodens
Ginko-toothed Beaked Whale [+]
Description & Behavior
The ginko-toothed beaked whale, Mesoplodon ginkgodens (Nishiwaki and Kamiya, 1958), adult males are darkly colored over the entire body with white spots over the posterior 1/3 of the lower surface. These white spots may be pigmentation or parasitic scars. Females are believed to have a medium gray body and light gray lower surface. Male Mesoplodon ginkgodens are characterized by a single pair of slightly protruding lower teeth (tusks) that are shaped like a ginkgo leaf. They do not appear to be as heavily scarred as most other mesoplodonts. The throat grooves, dorsal fin, and tail flukes are typical for Mesoplodon species. Maximum known sizes are 4.9 m (females) and 4.8 m (males).
Beaked Whales (Family Hyperoodontidae)
These medium-sized to moderately large whales have a single pair of grooves on the throat. There is a distinct snout, and often the few teeth present are visible only in adult males. They have a single nostril or blowhole. Beaked whales are generally slender with a small dorsal fin placed towards the rear on the back. The rear edge of the flukes usually lacks a well-defined notch. These whales are deep divers and are rarely seen. Many species are known only from a few specimens, and little is known about the life history and biology of the group. All members of this family, except Blainville's beaked whale, are difficult to distinguish from each other, and study by museum experts is usually necessary for identification.
World Range & Habitat
The ginko-toothed beaked whale, Mesoplodon ginkgodens, is found in the North Pacific from Japan to California, and has also been sighted in the Indian Ocean. They have been found stranded off the coasts of Japan, California, Mexico, Taiwan, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Because of the rare sightings, it is thought that this species prefers warm, offshore open waters.
Feeding Behavior (Ecology)
Very little is known about the feeding habits of the ginko-toothed beaked whale, Mesoplodon ginkgodens, however it likely feeds on prey similar to that of other beaked whales such as squid and fish.
Life History
Almost nothing is known of the biology of the ginko-toothed beaked whale. At birth, they are thought to be about 2-2.5 m.
Conservation Status/Additional Comments
A few animals have been taken in coastal fisheries off Japan.
References & Further Research
BioOne ~ CITES ~ Discover Life ~ GBIF ~ Google Scholar ~ ITIS ~ IUCN RedList ~ MarineBio Network ~ NCBI ~ SCIRIS ~ SIRIS ~ Tree of Life Web Project ~ Wikipedia
Center for Cetacean Research and Conservation (CCRC) - Beaked whales (+ videos)
Jefferson, T.A., S. Leatherwood, and M.A. Webber, FAO species identification guide, Marine mammals of the world, Rome, FAO. 1993. 320 p. 587 figs.
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