First sighting of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the northern Aegean Sea

Abstract

A sighting of a group of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) was reported for the first time in the northern Aegean Sea. It was also the first reported sighting in 25 years for the Aegean Sea. Eight individuals in total were recorded in a footage taken by a local fisherman. During the hauling of the handline, it was observed that one juvenile came to the line to play with it. The information of such sightings of rare species is valuable to understand the regional biodiversity.