Southern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon planifrons is a robust beaked whale of the Southern Ocean. It differs from Arnoux’s beaked whale through its shorter beak and bulbous forehead, especially in adult males. Adults are grey-brown with a pale underside and small, swept-back flippers. The dorsal fin is small and placed well behind mid-body.

It ranges through deep subantarctic and Antarctic waters, including seas south of New Zealand. It is rarely identified close to the mainland. It is a deep diver that feeds mainly on squid and fish. Animals are usually seen alone or in small groups.

The New Zealand classification is Data Deficient. Subantarctic voyages south of Campbell Island offer only an occasional chance of encounter.