Eschrichtius robustus

Gray Whale

13-15 mètres
55-70 ans
Préoccupation mineure
À propos

Gray Whale

The gray whale undertakes one of the longest migrations of any mammal — up to 20,000 kilometres round trip from Arctic feeding grounds to the warm breeding lagoons of Baja California, Mexico. These gentle giants are famous for their 'friendly' behaviour, often approaching whale-watching boats in the lagoons of San Ignacio, Ojo de Liebre, and Magdalena Bay, allowing close encounters that are among the most magical wildlife experiences on Earth.

Taille

13-15 mètres

Poids

30,000-40,000 kg

Durée de vie

55-70 ans

Statut

Préoccupation mineure

Où les trouver

Meilleurs sites de plongée

San Ignacio Lagoon, MexiqueMagdalena Bay, MexiqueOjo De Liebre Lagoon, MexiqueBaja Californie Sur Coastline

Conseils de plongée

Gray whales are primarily encountered by snorkelling or from small boats (pangas) in the breeding lagoons. The whales themselves approach the boats — do not chase them. Keep hands flat if a whale surfaces beside you. Underwater encounters are rare but occasionally possible during migration along the coast.

Meilleure saison

January to April (peak February-March in the lagoons)

Habitat

Eastern North Pacific coastal waters, breeding in shallow lagoons of Baja California Sur, Mexico

Régime alimentaire

Amphipods and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates, filtered from sediment by baleen plates
Le saviez-vous ?

Faits amusants

1

Gray whales migrate up to 20,000 km annually — one of the longest migrations of any mammal

2

Mothers in the lagoons actively push their calves toward boats for interaction

3

They were once called 'devil fish' by whalers because mothers fiercely defended their calves

4

Gray whales feed by rolling on their side and scooping up sediment, filtering prey through their baleen

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