Eubalaena australis

Southern Right Whale

13–18 metros
70–100 anos
Pouco preocupante
Sobre

Southern Right Whale

The southern right whale was named by whalers as the 'right' whale to hunt — it swam slowly, floated when killed, and yielded large quantities of oil and baleen. Hunted to near extinction, populations have recovered remarkably since commercial whaling ceased. These gentle giants are now a highlight of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic expeditions, often approaching vessels with calm curiosity. Their enormous callosities (rough patches of skin) are unique to each individual, like fingerprints.

Tamanho

13–18 metros

Peso

40,000–80,000 kg

Expectativa de vida

70–100 anos

Estado

Pouco preocupante

Onde encontrá-los

Melhores locais de mergulho

Península Valdés, ArgentinaGeórgia do Sul IslandIlhas Auckland, Nova ZelândiaÁfrica do Sul (hermanus)Águas subantárticas

Dicas de mergulho

Southern right whales are occasionally encountered during Antarctic voyages. They are slow-moving and curious, sometimes approaching vessels. In-water encounters are rare but possible at Valdés Peninsula and Auckland Islands under strict regulations. Never approach closer than 30 metres — let the whale come to you.

Melhor época

June–December (breeding at Valdés Peninsula), November–March (Antarctic waters)

Habitat

Temperate to sub-Antarctic waters of the Southern Hemisphere. Breed in sheltered coastal bays.

Alimentação

Copepods and krill, filtered through baleen plates
Você sabia?

Curiosidades

1

They have the largest testicles of any animal — each weighing over 500 kg

2

Their callosities host colonies of whale lice and barnacles unique to each whale

3

Mothers and calves are remarkably affectionate, often seen nuzzling and playing together

4

Their slow recovery from whaling — only about 7% annual growth — means some populations are still vulnerable

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