Hyperoodon ampullatus feeds primarily on squid (e.g. Gonatus fabricii), although sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea), herring (Clupea harrengus), cuttlefish (Sepiidae), sea stars (Asteroidea), and other benthic invertebrates supplement the diet. Utilizing a feeding method similar to that of Physeter macrocephalus (the sperm whale), northern bottlenose whales make deep, sustained dives to capture prey. Dives last up to 70min and diving depths range from 80 to 800m with a maximum recorded dive depth of 1453m. Breathing intervals of 10min are common between deep dives and individuals frequently resurface in close proximity to where a dive began (Herman 1980, Hooker and Baird 1999, Minasian et al. 1984, Reeves 1993, Walker 1975).

Animal Foods: fish; mollusks; aquatic crustaceans; other marine invertebrates

Primary Diet: carnivore (Molluscivore )