melon-headed whale; many-toothed blackfish; electra dolphin
A small species of dolphin (Peponocephala electra) found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. The name カズハゴンドウ is the standard Japanese term.
The melon-headed whale is a small whale that lives in tropical seas.
Katakana spelling is standard for this animal name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare and mainly used in scientific or formal contexts; learners will almost always encounter the katakana form.
Formed from 数歯, “numerous teeth,” and ゴンドウ, the name for pilot whales and related toothed whales. The name refers to the species’ comparatively numerous teeth.