top of page

North Pacific Right Whale (Eubalaena japonica)

No dorsal fin

Head extremely large, one‑third body

Narrow tail stock

Dark bottom, irregular white spots

Deeply curved

mouth line

White calluses on head and jaw

Large and broad paddle-shaped flippers

Dark both sides, smooth edges

  • Length: Large baleen whale measuring approximately 13–18 metres

  • Group Size: Mostly solitary or paired, occasionally small feeding groups

  • Key Features: No dorsal fin, pale callosities, strongly arched jawline

  • Behaviour: Slow surfacing with a tall, distinctive V‑shaped blow

  • Habitat: Temperate to subarctic continental shelf and shelf‑edge waters

  • Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List

NOAA_V-shaped blow.jpg
2018_JCrance_IWC_NOAA_20465.JPG
bottom of page