Long-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala melas)
Pilot whale Globicephala melas and G. macrorhynchus
The long-finned pilot whale, a member of the dolphin family, belongs to the toothed whales. Long-finned pilot whales are known as such because of their unusually long pectoral fins. Pilot whales get their name from the original belief that there was a "pilot" or lead individual in their groups.
Occasionally seen in Eyjafjordur, last sighting in July 2021 - daily for over a week! The whales came into the fjord with their calves, just few days old, most likely seeking for shelter in the fjord. Same encounter happend in August 2019.
Length: 3-8 meters
Weight: 5-9 tons
Life expectancy: 35-45 years for males, 60 years for females
Est. population around Iceland: ~ 35,000
Social behaviour: Very social, usual group size is between 3-50
Diet: Fish, squid
Suborder: Odontoceti – Toothed Whale
Family: Delphinidae
IUCN Listing: Data deficient
Major Threats: Hunting, climate change, chemical and noise pollution, ship strikes, capture for captivity and prey depletion
Icelandic Name: Grindhvalur