Arnoux's Beaked Whale

Berardius arnuxii is a very large beaked whale of southern cold waters. It differs from the smaller southern bottlenose whale through its longer beak and paired teeth visible at the lower-jaw tip. It has a long cylindrical body, small flippers and a modest dorsal fin set far back. Adults are often scarred, and the forehead slopes into a distinct beak.

It occurs around Antarctica and in deep waters near New Zealand’s subantarctic islands. Confirmed sightings at sea are scarce. It makes deep dives, probably taking squid and deep-water fish. Groups can be close-knit and may surface together.

The New Zealand classification is Data Deficient. Subantarctic expedition voyages provide a remote possibility, but there is no reliable viewing site.