Kogiidae

Kogiidae is a family of toothed whales, commonly known as pygmy and dwarf sperm whales. They are small cetaceans, distinct from the much larger Physeteridae family (sperm whales). The family currently comprises two genera: Kogia and Caperea. Kogia includes the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) and the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima). The single species in the genus Caperea is the pygmy right whale (Caperea marginata).

These whales are characterized by their small size, often less than 3 meters in length. They possess a distinct underslung jaw and a small, squarish head. A prominent feature is their diminutive dorsal fin, which is often falcate (sickle-shaped) and located far back on the body. Their coloration is typically dark grey or bluish-grey on the back, fading to a lighter grey or pinkish-white on the underside, often with a pale ring around the eye.

Kogiids are deep-diving whales, and their diet consists mainly of squid, fish, and crustaceans. They are generally considered to be solitary or found in very small groups. Due to their elusive nature and preference for deep, offshore waters, much of their behavior and ecology remains poorly understood. They are found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide, though their distribution is patchy. Stranding events are a significant source of information for researchers studying these cetaceans.