Gervais Beaked Whale

• Irish name: Míol mór socach an tSrutha
• Latin name: Mesoplodon europaeus
• Size: 4.6 – 5.2m
• Diet: Squid and deep-water fish

DESCRIPTION:

A sleek whale with a broad beak that blends into the head smoothly. Its dorsal fin is set two-thirds along the back and is triangular in shape to a curved point. Its flippers are small in proportion to the body but its distinguishing feature is the male’s pair of triangular teeth set ¾ of the way along the lower jaw. The colouration is light grey overall with a black patch around the eye and a white underside.

BEHAVIOUR:

Little is known about this species globally. They are believed to move in small groups like other beaked whale species, undertake deep foraging dives and breach occasionally.

IN IRELAND:

This species’ presence in Ireland was confirmed by two stranded animals. A historical stranding’s skeleton is still on display in the Ulster Museum in Belfast. In 2011 a second stranding was foun on Mullet Peninsula in Co. Mayo.