Neobalaenidae - pygmy right whales

There is only one species in this family. The pygmy right whale is the smallest of the baleen whales. It is found in cold waters in the Southern Hemisphere. It is 13- 20 feet in length and weighs around three tons. It is dark gray on top and a lighter gray on its underside. It has a curved dorsal fin 3/4 of the way down its body. It has creamy-white baleen and white gums! The pygmy right whale eats copepods and krill.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

Species Around the World
Location Key Antarctica Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH Arctic Ocean Atlantic Ocean Indian Ocean Mediterranean/Black Sea Pacific Ocean
Pygmy Right Whale - Caperea marginata

Additional Information

Resource Key
Profile Photos Video Audio

Pygmy Right Whale - Caperea marginata
Pygmy right whale calves stay with their mother until they are weaned when they are 6 months to one year old.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Pygmy Right Whale - Caperea marginata
There is no accurate count of the number of pygmy right whales in the wild.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School