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Neobalaenidae
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Neobalaenidae

mammal family
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Quick Summary

The Neobalaenidae family, also known as the pygmy right whale, contains a single species, Caperea marginata. This small, uncommon baleen whale inhabits temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere.1

While closely related to other right whales, the pygmy right whale is classified in its own family, Neobalaenidae. It shares some characteristics with right whales, such as long and narrow baleen and a slightly arched skull. However, it also possesses unique features, including a dorsal fin and a long rib cage with extremely flat, wide ribs. Pygmy right whales are not well studied, and their population size is unknown.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. cetacean - Annotated taxonomy
  2. right whale
  3. pygmy right whale

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