Classification: 

The melon-headed whale is actually a member of the dolphin family.

They are usually found far offshore beyond the continental shelf and only come close to shore when the surrounding waters are deep.

 

Appearance: 

The melon-headed whale is small and slim with a torpedo shaped body.

The head is conical and blunt-tipped with no apparent beak.

It has a falcate dorsal fin, sharply pointed flippers, and broad flukes. Some adult males develop a pronounced ventral keel.

Its body is a dark grey with a darker cape that dips low below the dorsal fin, and sometimes a pale patch on the belly.

White markings around the mouth give the appearance of lips, and dark facial markings around the eyes sometimes give it the appearance of wearing a 'mask'.

It is often confused with the pygmy killer whale, though it has sharper pointed flippers and a more triangular head.

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Behaviour: 

Melon-headed whales are extremely social creatures, swimming in tightly packed herds of 100-500 animals, although they sometimes gather in their thousands.

The species is generally shy of boats, but is known to bow-ride in areas where it is not harassed, and can be extremely demonstrative when it is not disturbed.

They can sometimes be seen ‘porpoising' with much splashing, disguising most of their features.

In the wild they often associate with other species including Fraser's, rough-toothed, spinner, spotted, and bottlenose dolphins.

Average life-span of a melon-headed whale is known to be at least 20 for males, while females can live into their 30's.