AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Globicephala macrorhynchus
Short-finned Pilot Whale
Gray, 1846
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Robust cetacean with a bulbous head (prominent melon), mostly black coloration, and relatively short pectoral fins.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Artiodactyla
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Delphinidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Globicephala
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Gray, 1846
Record Completeness
51%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Deep, tropical, and warm temperate waters worldwide.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Teuthophagous: feeds mainly on squid and some fish.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly social, lives in stable family groups called pods.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Pelagic, performs constant deep dives.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Specialized predator of deep-sea cephalopods.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Polygynous with complex mating systems.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
350.0 - 650.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1500.00 kg - 3500.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
8 - 12 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
450 - 480
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males45 - 50 Years
Females60 - 65 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males significantly larger and more robust.
Females Multi-lang
Females smaller and more slender.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Highly developed melon for echolocation in deep waters.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Entanglement in fishing gear, acoustic pollution, and prey availability changes.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They possess a complex matrilineal social structure and show grieving behaviors for their calves.