See text Beaked whales (systematic name Ziphiidae) are a family of cetaceans noted as being one of the least-known groups of mammals because of their deep-sea habitat, reclusive behavior and apparent low abundance.

[2] Reports emerged in late 2020 of the possible discovery of a new beaked whale species off the coast of Mexico, the taxonomy of which had not been determined as of December 2020[update].

[12] As of 2024, the Society for Marine Mammalogy Committee on Taxonomy recognizes 24 extant (living) species of beaked whales in six genera.

Both clades share some key characteristics of the family including thick skull bones and the trend toward loss of teeth.

[25][26] Hyperoodontidae was preferred in a 1968 phylogeny, which stated that Gray's objection did not qualify as an exception under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).

[27][28] Hyperoodontidae is indeed currently marked as the valid name by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) which states no successful petition for Ziphiidae had been made to the ICZN as of 2023.

Mead and Robert Brownell Jr. argued in 1993 that due to being the "name of choice for over 100 years", Ziphiidae should be given exception under the ICZN Article 23.12.

[30] In addition, several authorities, including the Society for Marine Mammalogy Committee on Taxonomy and IUCN Red List of Threatened Species among others continue to use Ziphiidae.

Researchers also found fossil ziphiids with robust skulls, signaling that tusks were used for male-male interactions (speculated with extant beaked whales).

[37] Another study, published in 2020, reported a Cuvier's beaked whale making a dive that lasted 222 minutes, another mammalian record.

Cetaceans and pinnipeds that prolong apnea must optimize the size and use of their oxygen stores, and they must deal with the accumulation of lactic acid due to anaerobic metabolism.

By suddenly retracting the tongue and distending the gular (throat) floor, pressure immediately drops within the mouth, sucking the prey in with the water.

[36] In a recent study, gouge marks in the sea floor were interpreted to be a result of feeding activities by beaked whales.

[40] Specific ranges vary greatly by species, though beaked whales typically inhabit offshore waters that are at least 300 m deep.

Berardius species and Longman's beaked whales (Indopacetus pacificus) are found in larger groups of up to 100 individuals.

Female northern bottlenose whales appear to form a loose network of social partners with no obvious long-term associations.

In contrast to females, some male northern bottlenose whales have been repeatedly recorded together over several years, and possibly form long-term associations.

[42] Studies of Blainville's beaked whales have revealed groups usually consist of a number of females, calves, and/or juvenile animals occasionally accompanied by single males.

[45] Arnoux's beaked whales have also been observed to form large pods of up to 47 individuals off the Southern Ocean off the coast of Kemp Land, Antarctica.

[46] While males may form short-term associations in the Cuvier's beaked whale, there do not appear to be long term bonds in this species and relatively high rates of fission and fusion within and among groups have been observed.

[51] Mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), developed in the 1950s for submarine detection, is thought to induce panic when experienced by whales at depth.

[35] Gas and fat emboli have been shown to cause nervous and cardiovascular system dysfunction, respiratory distress, pain, and disorientation in both humans and animals.

Breath-holding divers, like beaked whales, can develop decompression-related problems (the "bends") when they return to the surface after deep dives.

Therefore, sonar in close proximity to groups of beaked whales has the potential to cause hemorrhaging or to disorient the animal, eventually leading to a stranding.

[54] In 2019, a review of evidence on the mass strandings of beaked whale linked to naval exercises where sonar was used was published.

Notably, a Cuvier's beaked whale captured on 02 February, 1992 and held at Sea World of Florida was released after nine days about 30 miles offshore into the Atlantic Ocean.

[64] A rare True's beaked whale, later named Hope, the only member of its species known to be held in captivity, was taken after live-stranding on 02 January, 1973.

[65][66] A juvenile female Cuvier's beaked whale was found stranded on a kelp bed off of Santa Catalina Island on 23 February 1956.