Pilot Whale Teeth
Pilot whales are toothed whales (odontocetes) with a distinctive set of teeth adapted for catching slippery prey.
How Many Teeth Do Pilot Whales Have?
| Species | Total Teeth | Upper Jaw | Lower Jaw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-finned | 40-48 | 20-24 | 20-24 |
| Long-finned | 32-40 | 16-20 | 16-20 |
Tooth Characteristics
Size
- Length: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)
- Shape: Conical and pointed
- Position: Set in front of mouth
Appearance
- Relatively small for body size
- Peg-like shape
- Slightly curved inward
- Covered in enamel
What Do Pilot Whales Use Their Teeth For?
1. Catching Prey
- Grip slippery squid
- Hold fish before swallowing
- Do NOT chew - swallow whole
2. Primary Diet
- Squid (main food source - up to 70%)
- Fish (cod, herring, mackerel)
- Octopus occasionally
3. Hunting Method
- Use echolocation to find prey
- Dive deep (up to 1,000 meters)
- Grab and swallow
- Teeth grip, don't tear
Comparison to Other Toothed Whales
| Species | Tooth Count | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot Whale | 40-48 | Small |
| Orca | 40-56 | Large (3-4 inches) |
| Sperm Whale | 40-52 (lower only) | Massive (up to 8 inches) |
| Bottlenose Dolphin | 72-104 | Small |
Interesting Facts
- Teeth show age rings like trees - scientists can determine age by counting rings
- Teeth wear down over time from catching prey
- Old pilot whales may have very worn teeth
- Males typically have slightly larger teeth
- Teeth contain life history - diet and health can be analyzed