Kogia simus, commonly known as the pygmy sperm whale, is a species of marine mammal belonging to the family Kogiidae. It is one of two species within the genus Kogia, the other being the dwarf sperm whale (Kogia breviceps). The pygmy sperm whale is a small cetacean that reaches an average length of around 3 meters and weighs about 400 kilograms.
The physical characteristics of Kogia simus include a bulbous head, a slender body, and a small, slightly upturned mouth equipped with sharp teeth. They have a dark gray or dark blue-gray color on the upper surface of their body, while the underside is usually paler. These whales possess a distinctive hollow organ, known as the "spermaceti organ," located within their heads, which was historically sought after for its use in candles, cosmetics, and lubricants.
Pygmy sperm whales are primarily found in warm temperate and tropical waters across the world's oceans, including the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are generally solitary animals or found in small groups of up to six individuals. These marine mammals are known for their elusive behavior, often diving quickly and remaining underwater for long periods, which makes studying their life history and behavior challenging.
The main diet of Kogia simus consists of a variety of small, deep-sea squid and fish. Despite their name, pygmy sperm whales are not closely related to sperm whales, as they belong to different families within the same suborder (Odontoceti). These animals are not currently considered endangered, but like many marine species, they face potential threats from human activities such as pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat degradation.
