North Atlantic Right Whale Overview
Appearance
The North Atlantic right whale is a massive marine mammal known for its stocky, dark-colored body that lacks a dorsal fin. Their skin is typically black, with occasional patches of rough, white callosities on their heads.
These callosities, which are patches of raised, white skin, are unique to each individual and serve as identifying marks. North Atlantic right whales have large, paddle-shaped flippers and a distinctive, V-shaped blow, which can reach up to 5 meters (16 feet) in height.
Origins And Evolution
The North Atlantic right whale, scientifically known as Eubalaena glacialis, has an evolutionary history that dates back millions of years. They belong to the family Balaenidae, a group of baleen whales. Right whales are among the most ancient of the great whales, with ancestors evolving in the oceans over 30 million years ago.
Their name “right whale” originated from the belief that they were the “right” whales to hunt due to their slow swimming speeds, buoyant carcasses, and abundant blubber. Over time, these gentle giants have adapted to their cold, nutrient-rich habitats in the North Atlantic, evolving their distinctive physical characteristics, including their large size and baleen plates, which they use to filter plankton from the water.
Behavior and Lifestyle
North Atlantic right whales are gentle giants of the ocean, known for their slow and deliberate swimming. They are primarily filter feeders, using their baleen plates to strain small marine organisms like plankton and copepods from the water.
These whales are often seen near the surface, making them vulnerable to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. They are typically solitary or found in small groups, with mothers and calves forming close bonds.
North Atlantic Right Whale Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Cetacea
- Suborder: Mysticeti
- Family: Balaenidae
- Genus: Eubalaena
- Species: glacialis
North Atlantic Right Whale Locations
- North Atlantic Ocean
- Coastal waters of eastern North America
- Gulf of Maine
- Bay of Fundy
- Cape Cod Bay
- Georgia and Florida waters during calving season
Fast Facts
- Name: Right Whale
- Scientific Name: Eubalaena glacialis
- Habitat: Atlantic Oceans
- Diet: Filter Feeder
- Physical Features: Large Baleen
- Nocturnal: Diurnal Activities
- Solitary: Social Mammal
- Unique Order: Cetacea Order
- Lifespan: 70-100 Years
- Conservation Status: Endangered Species
- Fun Facts: Slow Swimmer
Physical Characteristics
- Color: Black Skin
- Skin Type: Thick Blubber
- Top Speed: Slow Swimmer
- Lifespan: 70-100 Years
- Weight: Enormous Size
- Length: Long Baleen
- Age of Sexual Maturity: 9 Years
- Age of Weaning: 1 Year
FAQs
How many North Atlantic right whales are left in the world?
There are estimated to be around 360 North Atlantic right whales remaining, making them one of the most endangered whale species.
What is the main threat to North Atlantic right whales today?
The main threats to these whales include ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, which can result in injury or death.
Why do they have distinctive white callosities on their heads?
These callosities are patches of rough skin caused by parasitic whale lice and serve as identifying marks for individual whales.
Where do North Atlantic right whales give birth to their calves?
They typically give birth in the warmer waters of the southeastern United States, particularly off the coasts of Georgia and Florida.