Eschrichtius robustus (gray whale)
Specimen Images | FW3214 |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Cetartiodactyla (Cetaceans) |
| Family | Eschrichtiidae |
| Genus | Eschrichtius |
| Species | Eschrichtius robustus |
| Common | gray whale |
| Diet | benthic crustaceans, and fish. Filter bottom sediments for food. Group cooperation for schooling fish. |
| Habitat | coastal species, restricted to northern Pacific Ocean along North America and Asia. Migrate long distances. |
| Description | Gray mottled color with barnacles and cyamid lice on the cranial region. Two to four throat grooves. Small paddle-like pectoral flippers. Lacks dorsal fin, but has a low hump followed by a series of crenulations. Size: up to 14m, 32 metric tons. |
| Skull Characteristics | Cetacean subgroup Mysticeti. |
| Notes | No longer “officially” endangered.
Links to more species information: Smithsonian Animal Diversity Web |