with adult bulls (males) growing to be about 15 - 18 m long, and weighing about 45 - 70 metric ton. The two kogiid species are much smaller, around 2.5 to 3.5 m in length, and weighing 350 - 500 kg.

The bodies of physeteroids are robustly proportioned, with paddle-shaped flippers. The lower jaw is always relatively small and thin relative to the upper jaw. The nasal bones of these whales are distinctly asymmetrical, with the blowhole being located on the