Pilot whales--also known as potheads because of the bulbous forehead, and blackfish because of their largely black coloration--are well known because they were exploited in local fisheries in widespread locations for many years.

Brief Description:

• Typical full-grown length: up to 7 meters (about 23 feet)

• Color: black, sometimes with light gray areas on chest; a lighter colored saddle is often present behind the dorsal fin

• Shape of head: rounded head becoming more bulbous with age

• Dorsal (back): dorsal fin has a long base, a low profile, is hooked ("falcate") or flag-like, and is set in the front half of the back

• Tail movement: tail is strongly humped or keeled (longitudinal ridge) on upper surface--which is shown as it arches to dive

• Other distinguishing characteristics: flippers are often up to one-fifth of body length

• Habitat: primarily tropical and warm temperate, though it extends into the Gulf of Alaska