Spade-Toothed Whale – Quick Facts & How You Can Help

The spade‑toothed whale is a shy, deep‑water dolphin that most people never see. It’s built for life in the open ocean, with a long, slender body and a tiny, spade‑shaped tooth that gives it its name. Adult males can reach about 6‑7 metres long and weigh over a ton, while females are a bit smaller. Their skin is dark gray, sometimes with a lighter belly, and they have a distinctive, slightly curved dorsal fin.

These whales aren’t fast swimmers, but they’re strong enough to travel thousands of kilometres in search of food. Their diet is mainly squid, especially large species that live deep down, plus some fish. They use echolocation clicks to find prey in the dark water, a skill that’s crucial when the sun’s rays don’t reach.

Where They Roam and What They Eat

Spade‑toothed whales prefer warm, tropical waters. You'll find them most often in the Indo‑Pacific region – around Indonesia, the Philippines, and the western Pacific islands. They like areas with steep underwater slopes where squid gather, such as continental shelves and seamounts. Because they dive deep – sometimes over 1,000 metres – they can follow their prey wherever it moves.

When they surface, they often do it briefly, just enough to breathe. Their blows are low and misty, making them hard to spot from a boat. Group sizes are usually small, sometimes just a pair or a lone individual. This low‑profile lifestyle helps them avoid predators like sharks and orcas.

Why Protection Matters

Even though they seem plentiful, spade‑toothed whales face several threats. Bycatch in deep‑sea trawling nets can snag them unintentionally, and the noise from commercial ships interferes with their echolocation. Pollution, especially plastic debris, can be swallowed or become entangled. Climate change also shifts the distribution of squid, their main food source, making it harder for them to find meals.

Conservation groups are pushing for better bycatch regulations, stricter noise limits, and protected marine areas where these whales can feed safely. Supporting sustainable seafood and reducing plastic use are simple ways anyone can help. When we keep the oceans clean and pressure governments for stronger protections, we give spade‑toothed whales a better chance to thrive.

So next time you hear about a deep‑sea dolphin, remember the spade‑toothed whale – a quiet giant that plays a key role in ocean health. By staying informed and making small changes, you become part of the effort to keep these mysterious animals swimming for generations to come.