The abyssal Olympians and ghosts in the blue - Cuvier's beaked whales!

More on these whales - https://www.eonsofawe.com/2025/07/Cuviers-beaked-whales.html

Cuvier’s beaked whales hold the record for the longest dive of any marine mammal. It is capable of remaining submerged for over two hours. These remarkable creatures are known for their elusive nature. They can dive to depths exceeding 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in search of food. This showcases their incredible adaptations to extreme underwater environments.

Their ability to hold their breath for such extended periods is due to specialized physiological traits. Cuvier’s beaked whales have large oxygen stores in their muscles, thanks to an abundance of myoglobin. Myoglobin is a protein that binds oxygen efficiently. Additionally, their blood is rich in red blood cells which enable them to store more oxygen than most mammals. During a dive, these whales slow their heart rate dramatically, conserve oxygen and prioritize blood flow to essential organs like the brain and heart.

Their deep dives often target squid and small fish, found in the dark high-pressure depths of the ocean. Unlike many marine mammals, Cuvier’s beaked whales minimize energy expenditure during dives by using slow controlled movements and gliding techniques.

These whales are not only exceptional divers but also masters of stealth by spending much of their lives in deep waters and surfacing only briefly. This elusive behavior has made studying them a challenge but ongoing research continues to reveal fascinating insights into their biology and behaviour.

Cuvier’s beaked whales has the extraordinary capabilities of marine life and tells the need for conservation efforts to protect these deep-diving marvels from threats like climate change and ocean noise.