The long-finned pilot whale, or pothead whale (Globicephala melas) is a large species of oceanic dolphin. It shares the genus Globicephala with the short-finned pilot whale. Long-finned pilot whales are known as such because of their unusually long pectoral fins.
Long-finned pilot whale
Skeleton of a long-finned pilot whale.
Pilot whale cow and calf – Ireland
Pilot whales – Ireland
Pilot whales are cetaceans belonging to the genus Globicephala. The two extant species are the long-finned pilot whale and the short-finned pilot whale. The two are not readily distinguishable at sea, and analysis of the skulls is the best way to distinguish between the species. Between the two species, they range nearly worldwide, with long-finned pilot whales living in colder waters and short-finned pilot whales living in tropical and subtropical waters. Pilot whales are among the largest of the oceanic dolphins, exceeded in size only by the orca. They and other large members of the dolphin family are also known as blackfish.
Pilot whale
Jaw of the extinct species Globicephala etruriae
Long-finned pilot whale skeleton
A pilot whale spyhopping