2008 / Skeleton specimen / Kept in Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise / UMUT

Unlike other toothed whales (odontceti), this species as well as the killer whale attack large preys such as tuna or other whales. Not only do their well-developed teeth catch and keep small animals, but they can also cut out a chunk of meat from large preys. This species grows up to 6m long at the largest. The concaved structure on the forehead is a cavity containing a unique organ called melon. This organ is specific to toothed whales, and is dedicated to echo location, emitting high frequency sounds to detect preys.

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