Maximum length of 13 metres.

Body is brownish-grey with irregular white patches on the belly.

Head has a long, prominent beak with a bulging forehead (melon).

Adults have protruding teeth visible on the front of their lower jaw, which extend beyond the upper jaw.

Dorsal fin is slightly rounded and short, located 2/3 of the way down the body.

Adults have linear scars.

Often seen in groups of 3-7, but may also be found in larger aggregations of up to 50 animals.

Deep divers, may hold their breath for over 1 hour.

Head may lift slightly out of the water when surfacing.

Prefer deep, offshore waters and waters along the continental shelf break.

Seasonality in British Columbia is unknown.