Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Pygmy sperm whale
Scientific name: Kogia breviceps
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Family: KOGIIDAE
Group: Marine mammals
Shyness: Very shy
Safe distance: 100 m
Breeding season / Courtship: N/A
Gestation: 270–330 jours
Births: 01.06-30.09
Habitat:
Warm temperate and tropical oceans
Description:
The pygmy sperm whale is a small robust cetacean measuring 2.7–3.4 m in length with a bluish-gray fusiform body. Found in warm temperate and tropical oceans, it deep-dives for squid and fish. Secretive at the surface, it is often spotted by its blow and fluke when it dives.
Recommended lens:
>=400 mm
Photography tips:
Position yourself on a stable vessel at a safe distance and watch for blows and flukes at the surface. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for raking light, using a fast shutter speed to freeze splashes.
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