Family ZIPHIIDAE

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Introduction

Twelve species of the family Ziphiidae, or beaked whales, have been recorded from Australian waters. Several may dive to great depths, remaining submerged for long periods. The species vary in degree of sociality.

The dorsal fin is present, but situated posteriorly and the tail flukes generally lack a midline notch. The rostral portion of the skull is elongated into a beak. A single pair of throat grooves is usually present. The number of teeth present is reduced; in some cases only two greatly enlarged teeth are present in the lower jaw.

Little detail of the life of these whales is known. Squid seem to be the main diet. At least two ziphiids are known only from stranded skeletal material.

General References

Baker, A.N. 1983. Whales and Dolphins of New Zealand and Australia. Wellington : Victoria University Press 133 pp.

Bannister, J.L., Kemper, C.M. & Warneke, R.M. 1996. The Action Plan for Australian Cetaceans. Canberra : Australian Nature Conservation Agency 242 pp.

Ross, G.J.B. 1989. Ziphiidae. pp. 957-964 in Walton, D.W. & Richardson, B.J. (eds). Fauna of Australia. Mammalia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1B 827 pp.

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