Distribution
Because they have been rarely observed at sea, normal ranges for this species are not known. Based on stranding records, however, the following can be stated. In the western North Atlantic, pygmy sperm whales have been found as far north as Sable Island, Halifax, Nova Scotia, as far south as Cuba, and as far west as Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. They are frequently found stranded along the Atlantic coast of Florida and throughout the eastern and northern Gulf of Mexico.
Stranded Specimens
Because of the distinctive characters of the genus, stranded pygmy and dwarf sperm whales are unlikely to be confused with any other species of cetacean, though the rather narrow underslung jaw and the blunted head may result in their casual dismissal by some beach walkers as stranded sharks. The two species of Kogia may be distinguished by the following:
| Pygmy Sperm Whale | Dwarf Sperm Whale |
|---|---|
| TEETH | |
| 12-16 (rarely 10-11) in lowerjaw are larger; no teeth inupper. | 8-11 (rarely 13) small andextremely sharp teeth inlower jaw; sometimes haveup to 3 teeth in each upperjaw. |
| THROAT | |
| No creases or grooves onthroat. | Several short irregular creasesor grooves on throat. |
