Southern Right Whale

Southern Right Whale

Eubalaena australis

Least Concern
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DESCRIPTION

The Southern Right Whale is a large baleen whale distinguished by its robust, black body, lack of a dorsal fin, and distinctive callosities on its head. It is a filter feeder, consuming vast quantities of krill and copepods in the Southern Ocean. These migratory whales travel to warmer coastal waters for breeding and calving.

Max Length 18.3 m
Max Weight 106 t
Lifespan Up to 150 years
Habitat Coastal zone, deep water, and open water
Depth Range Up to 300 m
Diet Filter feeder
Activity Variable
Social Behavior Aggregative
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot Southern Right Whale

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Southern Right Whale has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Southern Right Whale

Where can you see the Southern Right Whale?

The Southern Right Whale can be seen at 4 dive destinations in South Africa and Australia. The best spots include False Bay (South Africa), Phillip Island (Australia), Cape Town (South Africa), and Protea Banks (South Africa).

What is the best time to see the Southern Right Whale?

Sightings of the Southern Right Whale peak at different times depending on the destination: False Bay from July to October, Phillip Island from July to August, Cape Town from August to October, and Protea Banks from June to October.

Where can you see the Southern Right Whale in South Africa?

In South Africa, you can see the Southern Right Whale at False Bay, Cape Town, and Protea Banks.

Where can you see the Southern Right Whale in Australia?

In Australia, you can see the Southern Right Whale at Phillip Island.

How big does the Southern Right Whale get?

The Southern Right Whale can reach up to 18.3 m in length and 106 t in weight.

What habitat does the Southern Right Whale live in?

The Southern Right Whale is found in these habitats: coastal zone, deep water, and open water.

How deep does the Southern Right Whale live?

The Southern Right Whale lives down to 300 m.

What does the Southern Right Whale eat?

Strains plankton and tiny particles straight out of the water as it swims.

When is the Southern Right Whale most active?

Its rhythm shifts with the season, the tide or the region, so the same species may be active by day in one place and by night in another.

How long does the Southern Right Whale live?

The Southern Right Whale lives up to 150 years.

What is the conservation status of the Southern Right Whale?

The Southern Right Whale is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Southern Right Whale. Spotted something that looks off?

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