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The Alula whale (Orcinus mörzer-bruynsus[1] or Orcinus moerzer-bruynsus) is a cryptid cetacean reported from the Indian Ocean, one of several cetaceans known primarily from sightings reported by W. F. J. Mörzer Bruyns, who also reported the Greek dolphin, Illigan dolphin, and Senegal dolphin. The Alula whale is distinguished from the killer whale (Orcinus orca) mainly by its sepia colouration and white scars.[2][3][4]
Description[]
Illustration of an Alula whale by Captain J. F. Rowe of the SS ACT 1.[5]
The Alula whale resembled a killer whale (Orcinus orca), but with a sepia brown body patterned with "white starlike scars". Its forehead was round, more like the head of a pilot whale (Globicephala sp.) than a killer whale, though not quite as round, and sported a small snout. The dorsal fin was described as "very prominent" and high above the surface, at least 2 ft (60 cm). These whales moved in pods of four to eight individuals, but averaging six, cruising at a speed of around four knots.[6]
Sightings[]
Before 1971[]
The Alula whale was first reported by W. F. J. Mörzer Bruyns, a naval officer and historian who claimed to have observed several unidentifiable cetaceans during his voyages. Never having access to a field guide to cetaceans during his time as a captain, after his retirement Mörzer Bruyns published his own Field Guide of Whales and Dolphins (1971), which included depictions and accounts of all the cryptid cetaceans reported by him. He had allegedly observed pods of the Alula whale on several occasions in deep coastal waters of the eastern Gulf of Aden, north of Caluula in Somalia.[6]
| “ | At first encounter a school of 4 approached the ship head on and seeing the dorsal fins the author thought they were Orcinus orca ... When they passed the ship at a distance of less than 50 yards under the surface in the flat calm, clear sea, it was obvious that this was a different species. They were indifferent to the ship and neither changed course nor dived. ... These dolphins were seen in the area during crossings in April, May, June and September, usually swimming just under the surface with the dorsal fin above the water. One duty officer reported he observed them chasing a school of smaller dolphins, who tried to escape. There is, however, a possibility that both species were chasing the same prey.
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1987[]
The SS ACT 1, under Captain J. F. Rowe, reported a sighting of what they identified as the Alula whale in the Marine Observer in 1988. The animal had been seen by 2nd Officer A. Tibbott on 8 May 1987, in the Indian Ocean, during a passage from Fremantle to Suez.[5]
| “ | At 0645 GMT a dark-brown whale with a prominent dorsal fin ... was seen from for'ard, swimming just below the surface of the sea, and about 100 m ahead of the ship. When only 40 m away, it took evasive action by diving, its flukes remaining below the surface throughout. No blow was observed. Although no positive identification was possible, the prominent dorsal fin and dark-brown colouring suggest the sighting was of the Alula Whale.
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Notes and references[]
- ↑ Heintzelman, Donald S. (1981) A World Guide to Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises
- ↑ Heuvelmans, Bernard "Annotated Checklist of Apparently Unknown Animals With Which Cryptozoology Is Concerned", Cryptozoology, No. 5 (1986)
- ↑ Eberhart, George M. (2002) Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology, ABC-CLIO, Inc., ISBN 1576072835
- ↑ Bille, Matthew A. (1995) Rumors of Existence: Newly Discovered, Supposedly Extinct, and Unconfirmed Inhabitants of the Animal Kingdom, Hancock House
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Indian Ocean," The Marine Observer, Vol. 58 (1988)
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Mörzer Bruyns, W. F. J. (1971) Field Guide of Whales and Dolphins