Ziphiidae

Ziphiidae is a family of beaked whales, a group of odontocete cetaceans found in many of the world’s oceans. They are adapted to life in the open ocean and are among the deepest-diving mammals, with some species plunging to substantial depths and feeding on the offshore, mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones.

Physical characteristics are marked by slender bodies and elongated snouts. Most species have a small dorsal fin located far back on the body, giving them a distinctive profile. Teeth are reduced in many species; adult males typically bear one or more tusk-like teeth that erupt from the lower jaw, while females generally have no erupted teeth. The skulls are robust, and the beak-like rostrum is a defining feature.

Ziphiidae has a global distribution, inhabiting deep ocean waters rather than coastal shallows. They are elusive and often occur in small groups or as solitary individuals, making observation and study challenging. Diet consists mainly of deep-sea cephalopods such as squid, supplemented by other small fish and invertebrates. They rely on echolocation clicks to locate prey during long, deep dives that can last for hours.

Taxonomically, the family includes several genera, such as Ziphius, Hyperoodon, Mesoplodon, Berardius, and Tasmacetus, with roughly two dozen described species. Reproduction involves extended parental care and relatively long interbirth intervals, with calves nursing for extended periods.

Conservation concerns include data deficiency for many species, bycatch, entanglement in fishing gear, and disturbances from naval sonar and shipping. Some populations are protected under international agreements, but many beaked whales remain poorly understood due to their remote, deep-sea habits.