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Family Ziphiidae (Beaked Whales)
| Arch-beaked Whale (Mesoplodon carlhublosi) |
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IDENTIFICATION
The Arch-beaked Whale is found in the temperate waters from California
to British Columbia. It can grow to 5.3 metres long and is so similar
to the other beaked whales that it can only be identified by examining
the skull.
MEALS, MANNERS AND MIGRATION
Biologists know little about the feeding and migratory habits of the Arch-beaked
Whale. They assume that it preys, like the other beaked whales, on squid
and deepwater fishes.
STATUS
Since sightings of the Arch-beaked Whale have always been rare in British
Columbia waters and there are no apparent threats to it here, this whale
does not require conservation status.
DISTRIBUTION
The Arch-beaked Whale is confined to the North Pacific. In the eastern
Pacific, where there are about 25 records, it ranges as far north as Prince
Rupert, B.C. Assumed to be a deep water species found off the continental
shelf. The map only shows areas of strandings, however the whale may possibly
reside right across the North Pacific.
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