First Live Sighting of Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata Gray, 1857) in Indian Waters

Abstract

The study reports for the first time, the live sighting of the pygmy killer whale, Feresa attenuata Gray, 1857, from Indian waters adding valuable information on their limited records available from this region. The elusive nature of the species, along with its morphological similarities to the melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra) and the false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), makes accurate identification challenging. Additionally, its predominantly nocturnal behaviour further contributes to the rarity of sightings worldwide. In the present study, a pod of 19 pygmy killer whales (F. attenuata) was sighted in the vicinity of Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep Sea. This represents the first documented live encounter of the species in Indian waters, where previous records were limited to stranded individuals. The live observation of this rarely sighted delphinid provides valuable insights into its social interactions, behavioural patterns, and group dynamics.