Melon-headed whales, also known as "electra dolphins," are a species of oceanic dolphin that gets its name from its distinctive, rounded head shape. Often mistaken for pilot whales or small killer whales, the melon-headed whale can be found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. In Hawaiian mythology, the melon-headed whale is said to be a sacred messenger of the goddess Pele. Synonyms for the melon-headed whale include the blackfish, Japanese melon-headed whale, and the little whale. Despite its name, the melon-headed whale is not related to the true whales and is in fact a type of dolphin, making it a fascinating and unique species to study.