The Hubbs's Beaked Whale

Woody Williams

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The Hubbs's Beaked Whale, Arch-beaked Whale, or Mesoplodon carlhubbsi can be found offsore in the eastern North Pacific. They are found roughly between 33 degress North (southwest of San Clemente Island, California) and 54 degrees North (Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada). Subartic weather conditions and California current systems can effect the places that Hubbs's Beaked whales are found. Most of these whales can be found around California, but they are found in restricted regions in the western North Pacific, of the shores of Japan in the Sea of Japan. They are known to reach weights of 1 to 1.5 tons at adulthood. It is one of the few beaked whales that a male can be positively identified at sea, though few sights have been reported, only around La Jolla, California. They have a raised white "cap," stocky white beak, strong arched lower jaw, and 2 massive teeth, which are visible when their mouth is closed. They have a tangle of white scars, sometimes up to 6 1/2 feet long. At distances the Hubbs's Beaked whale could be confused with the Minke Whale. Females and juveniles are usually impossible to identify at sea, they have medium gray upper sides, lighter graysides, and white undersides. Also, the female's teeth do not show when mouth is closed. There is little known about their behavior with only a few sightings known. With their remarkable scaring it is suggested that there is considerable aggression between males. It is presumed to by shy and unobtrusive like other Mesoplodon species. It is known to eat squid or octopus and small fish.

Andrea-Vanessa-Erica @ the Advanced Technologies Academy