bowhead right whale
Quick Summary
The bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is a large baleen whale found in Arctic waters. It is related to right whales and can reach lengths of 45 to 60 feet (13.5 to 18 meters). A distinguishing feature is its extremely large head with an arched lower jaw.1
Right whales (family Balaenidae) are stout-bodied whales with enormous heads that make up a significant portion of their body length. Historically, they were hunted for their oil and baleen, earning them the name "right whale" because they were considered the correct whale to hunt.2
The term "right whale" encompasses the bowhead whale and species in the genus Eubalaena. While bowheads inhabit Arctic seas, Eubalaena species live in temperate waters and include the northern right whale (North Atlantic and North Pacific) and the southern right whale. Right whales feed on small crustaceans and mollusks.2
Unfortunately, right whale populations have been severely depleted due to hunting. Two species, the North Atlantic and North Pacific right whales, are considered endangered or critically endangered. Conservation efforts are in place, but challenges like ship collisions and entanglement in fishing gear persist. The bowhead whale is known for its remarkable longevity, with some individuals surviving for over 200 years.234
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