Pilot Whales

Pilot whales (Globicephala melas) are a medium-sized species of cetacean, related to the killer whale. These whales have a long, bulbous head and a stout body with a distinct bulge along the back. Unlike other whales, these animals have a dorsal fin located farther forward on the body, near the tip of their head. Pilot whales are found in deep-water habitats of the temperate and tropical oceans. They are extremely social creatures, typically found in small groups of 10 to 30 individuals, and sometimes in groups of over a hundred. These groups are highly bonding and their matrilineal families are very powerful. Pilot whales are of great significance to humans because of their historical use as a part of whale-hunting practices, and now, as a species of interest for scientific research. Additionally, these whales have great cultural and aesthetic value, being an important character in many ancient myths and legends.