Ziphidae

Ziphidae is a family of marine mammals belonging to the order Cetacea, commonly known as beaked whales. This family encompasses several genera and species, all characterized by their relatively small size compared to other whales, though still substantial, and their distinctive elongated snouts or beaks. A striking feature of most ziphids is the presence of only one or two pairs of teeth, which are typically only erupted in males and are often tusklike. These teeth are not used for feeding but are thought to be used for intraspecific combat, such as sparring between males.

Beaked whales are deep-diving specialists, capable of reaching extreme depths in search of their primary prey, which consists of squid, fish, and crustaceans. Their physiology is adapted for prolonged dives, including a high tolerance for nitrogen and efficient oxygen utilization. Due to their elusive nature, deep-sea habitat, and deep-diving habits, ziphids are among the least understood cetaceans. Much of what is known about them comes from stranded individuals, as direct observation at sea is rare and challenging. Their conservation status varies, with some species being poorly assessed due to lack of data, while others face threats from human activities such as noise pollution from sonar and seismic surveys, which can disrupt their foraging and communication, and entanglement in fishing gear.