 Name : Pygmy Right Whale
Scientific Name : Caperea marginata
Class : Mammalia
Family : Neobalaenidae
Order : Cetacea suborder - Mysticeti
Shape : Long, slim body white baleen gum and no callosities on head. Head about one-quarter of body length. Jaw may become more arched with age.
Fins : Small, sickle-shaped dorsal fin; the small narrow flipper shape is also very different.
Length : Adults measure between 5.5 - 6.5 metres and newborns between 1.6 - 2.2 metres.
Weight : Adults weigh between 3 - 3.5 tons.
Colour : Dark grey or blue-grey upper side. A flash of white may be seen as the snout breaks the surface. White baleen gum and tongue contrast with dark head.
Diet : Krill or other crustaceans.
Population : The Pygmy Right Whale is the smallest and least known of all the baleen whales. It is seldom seen at sea and confirmed sightings are very rare.
Migration : Juveniles may migrate into inshore waters during spring and summer.
Habits : Mostly known from widely dispersed strandings. Generally swims slowly, in an unusual, undulating style, with waves of movement along the whole body.
Distribution : Temperate waters of the southern hemisphere, both inshore and offshore. Most observations have been in sheltered, shallow bays, but several individuals have been encountered in the open sea. |
