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145 Featured Specimen
Southern right whale

Details

Southern right whale

Eubalaena australis

Size
13–17 m · 30–80 t
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Seasonal
Sociality
Loose group
Lifespan
10-20 years

The southern right whale is a large baleen whale of Southern Hemisphere oceans. Seasonal and loosely social, it uses both open seas and sheltered coasts.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
Atlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanSouthern Ocean

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It feeds in open ocean and uses calmer coastal waters for breeding. Its range is tied to the Southern Ocean and Atlantic-side waters.

Appearance

Body length is about 13-17 m and weight about 30-80 metric tons. It lacks a dorsal fin and has a heavy body, arched mouth, and head callosities.

Behavior

It migrates seasonally between feeding and breeding areas. Individuals swim alone or in loose groups and may rest near coasts.

Feeding

It is carnivorous, filtering small crustaceans and zooplankton. Baleen plates strain fine prey from the water.

Reproduction

Calves are born in warmer, sheltered waters and grow on rich milk. Mother and calf may remain near the coast before migrating.

Notes

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Some populations have recovered after whaling, but ship strikes and entanglement remain concerns.