Shepherd's Beaked Whale

Tasmacetus shepherdi is a rarely seen beaked whale with a full row of functional teeth. That dentition separates it from most beaked whales, which retain only one or two erupted pairs. It has a long beak, steep forehead and a small dorsal fin set far back. The dark back contrasts with pale flanks and underside.

It is known mainly from cool Southern Hemisphere waters, including New Zealand. Sightings are scarce and many records come from strandings. It dives deeply and takes fish as well as squid. Little is known about group size or breeding behaviour.

The New Zealand classification is Data Deficient. No dependable viewing site exists; Te Papa in Wellington holds important scientific material.