Gervais’ beaked whale
Mesoplodon europaeus
biology
Gervais’ beaked whales typically reach lengths of 4.5 m to 5.2 m and weigh between 1 and 2 tonnes, with females being slightly larger than males. Newborns are estimated to be between 1.6 m and 2.2 m long. While their full lifespan is unknown, individuals have been recorded reaching at least 48 years of age.
Characterized by a spindle-shaped body and a relatively small head with a slightly bulbous forehead, this species has a narrow, prominent beak. Mature males possess two triangular teeth located 7 to 10 cm from the tip of the lower jaw; when the mouth is closed, these teeth fit into grooves in the upper "lip." Their coloration is dark grey to navy blue on the back and lighter grey on the belly, with irregular white patches around the genital region and a dark ring around the eyes. While adult bodies may show some scarring, they are generally not as heavily marked as other beaked whales.
Like other members of the Mesoplodon genus, they feed primarily on squid and deep-water fish. As one of the least observed beaked whales in the wild, their social structure remains poorly understood, though sightings typically involve small, cohesive groups of 3 to 5 individuals.
Characterized by a spindle-shaped body and a relatively small head with a slightly bulbous forehead, this species has a narrow, prominent beak. Mature males possess two triangular teeth located 7 to 10 cm from the tip of the lower jaw; when the mouth is closed, these teeth fit into grooves in the upper "lip." Their coloration is dark grey to navy blue on the back and lighter grey on the belly, with irregular white patches around the genital region and a dark ring around the eyes. While adult bodies may show some scarring, they are generally not as heavily marked as other beaked whales.
Like other members of the Mesoplodon genus, they feed primarily on squid and deep-water fish. As one of the least observed beaked whales in the wild, their social structure remains poorly understood, though sightings typically involve small, cohesive groups of 3 to 5 individuals.
observation
Gervais’ beaked whales are primarily limited to the North Atlantic. Their distribution is closely linked to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which explains their sporadic presence in the Azores and occasionally as far north as the English Channel—where the first specimen was found in the 1840s (leading to the name europaeus).
Identification Challenges: At sea, they are nearly impossible to distinguish from True’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon mirus) unless an adult male is present. Only a very clear view of the head would reveal the specific position and shape of his tusks (7–10 cm from the tip in Gervais vs. right at the tip in True's).
In the Azores, despite the inherent difficulty in approaching beaked whales, this species is found annually in sporadic sightings. They have been observed between April and September, with a noticeable peak in encounters during June and July.
Identification Challenges: At sea, they are nearly impossible to distinguish from True’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon mirus) unless an adult male is present. Only a very clear view of the head would reveal the specific position and shape of his tusks (7–10 cm from the tip in Gervais vs. right at the tip in True's).
In the Azores, despite the inherent difficulty in approaching beaked whales, this species is found annually in sporadic sightings. They have been observed between April and September, with a noticeable peak in encounters during June and July.
names
PT: Zífio-de-gervais (ou Baleia-de-bico-de-gervais)
ENG: Gervais’ beaked whale (or Gulf Stream beaked whale)
FR: Baleine à bec de Gervais
DE: Gervais-Schnabelwal
IT: Mesoplodonte di Gervais
ESP: Zifio de Gervais
NL: Spitssnuitdolfijn van Gervais
ENG: Gervais’ beaked whale (or Gulf Stream beaked whale)
FR: Baleine à bec de Gervais
DE: Gervais-Schnabelwal
IT: Mesoplodonte di Gervais
ESP: Zifio de Gervais
NL: Spitssnuitdolfijn van Gervais
Scientific name
Mesoplodon europaeus
Discovery
Gervais, 1855