Large baleen whale endemic to the Southern Hemisphere's sub-Antarctic and temperate oceanic regions, characterized by its robust body and distinctive callosities on the head.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal and offshore waters of southern continents, including Antarctic Peninsula, South America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, with seasonal migrations between feeding and breeding grounds
Ecological Role
Key marine ecosystem regulator, contributing to marine food web dynamics through nutrient cycling, supporting krill populations, and serving as important indicators of ocean health
Morphology
- SKIN COAT Thick blubber layer (30-50 cm), dark gray to black coloration with occasional white patches
- LIMBS WINGS Broad, triangular pectoral fins measuring 3-4 m, powerful fluked tail for propulsion
- HEAD SENSORY Large head comprising approximately 1/3 of total body length, featuring distinctive callosities (rough patches of skin) on rostrum, used for individual identification
- BODY STRUCTURE Massive, rotund body measuring 11-18 m in length, weighing 40-80 metric tons, with distinctive rounded back and no dorsal fin
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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