Mammals
Cuvier's Beaked Whale
Ziphius cavirostris · also called Cuviers beaked whale, goose-beaked whale
Descending nearly three kilometres into the pitch-black depths of the open ocean, a Cuvier’s beaked whale pursues deep-sea squid on a dive that could last well over three hours, records for both depth and duration that no other marine mammal has been documented to match.
Overview
Cuvier’s beaked whale, Ziphius cavirostris, is a deep-diving specialist native to deep ocean waters across nearly every ocean in the world, typically found far from shore over deep underwater canyons and slopes. Its record-breaking dive depth and duration, distinctive goose-like beak, and unusually wide distribution among beaked whale species make it one of the most physically extreme and geographically far-reaching marine mammals found anywhere on Earth.
The deepest, longest dive on record
No other marine mammal has been documented pushing the limits of depth and endurance as far as Cuvier’s beaked whale, whose record-setting dives into the deep ocean remain unmatched by any competing species studied so far.
Status
Least Concern, widespread across suitable deep ocean habitat throughout nearly every ocean in the world, though sensitive to naval sonar activity linked to mass stranding events in some regions.
Cuvier's Beaked Whale: common questions
How deep can Cuvier's beaked whale dive?
This species holds the record for the deepest dive ever documented in any marine mammal, descending nearly three kilometres below the surface in pursuit of deep-sea squid, an extraordinary depth that far exceeds what most other diving mammals are capable of reaching.
How long can Cuvier's beaked whale stay underwater?
This species also holds the record for the longest dive duration documented in any marine mammal, with individuals recorded remaining submerged for well over three hours at a time, an endurance feat matched by no other known marine mammal species.
Why do many Cuvier's beaked whales have visible scars?
Many individuals of this species, particularly males, carry visible scars believed to result from aggressive interactions with other males during social or breeding encounters, a pattern of scarring that becomes more pronounced as an individual ages.
Why is naval sonar a concern for Cuvier's beaked whale?
This species has shown particular sensitivity to naval sonar activity in some regions, which has been linked to mass stranding events, possibly because the sonar disrupts the whale's normal deep-diving behaviour or navigation in ways that are still not completely understood by researchers.