The spade-toothed beaked whale has the distinction of possibly being the least known of all the world's whales!
This species was first described in 1872 from skeletal remains consisting of two skulls and one jawbone. Since then, only seven stranded individuals have been found. Spade-toothed whales have never been seen alive.
Other names: Traver's beaked whale, Bahamondi's beaked whale, Spade-toothed whale
| Male | Female | Calf | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | 5m | 5.5m | Unknown |
| Maximum weight | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
IUCN conservation status: Data Deficient
What do spade-toothed beaked whales look like?
Spade-toothed whales are grey in colour, with dark backs, small dark flippers and dark colouring around the eyes. and pale underbody. The melon (forehead) is relatively prominent and they have large, wide teeth (around 23cm) with an unusual denticle (tooth-like projection) on the tip (this occurs in males, and may smoothen over time due to interactions with other animals). Studies of a stranded male in New Zealand in 2024 revealed the presence of tiny vestigial teeth in the upper jaw.
What's life like for spade-toothed beaked whales?
Spade-toothed whales have never been seen alive, and nothing is known of their behaviour, however they are presumed to be a deep-water species as other members of the Mesoplodon genus, living alone or in small groups.
Where do spade-toothed beaked whales live?
The seven individuals of spade-toothed beaked whales were found in New Zealand and Chile and the species is thought to be found only in the southern hemisphere and possibly just in the South Pacific. However, the full extent of their distribution remains unknown.
What do spade-toothed beaked whales eat?
Like other beaked whales and other deep divers, they are thought to feed primarily on squid and possibly also small fish. During the necropsy of the individual found in 2024, it was discovered that the male whale had nine stomach chambers.
Distribution map
Spade-toothed beaked whales need your help
The main threats...
- Noise pollution – Spade-toothed beaked whales are vulnerable to naval sonar and seismic activity.
- Bycatch – Entanglement in fishing gear is likely to be one of the predominant threats to this deep-water species.
- Plastic – stranded individuals of similar species have been found with plastic in their stomachs.
You can help save spade-toothed beaked whales...
By supporting WDC, you can help spade-toothed beaked whales to live safe and free. Together, we can: