Eschrichtiidae
Eschrichtiidae is a family of baleen whales that contains a single living species, the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). It is considered to be a relatively primitive family, with a number of features that distinguish it from other baleen whales. The family is named after Danish zoologist Daniel Eschricht, who first described the gray whale in 1849.
Common Names
The family is known by several common names, including gray whale family and right whale family. The latter is often applied to other families of baleen whales, so it is generally best to use the name "gray whale family" to avoid confusion.
Characteristics
Eschrichtiidae whales share a number of unique characteristics, including:
- Short baleen plates: Unlike other baleen whales, which have long baleen plates that extend almost to the tip of their mouths, gray whales have short, bristle-like baleen plates.
- Thick blubber layer: Gray whales have a very thick layer of blubber, which helps them to stay warm in cold water and to survive long periods without food.
- No dorsal fin: Gray whales are the only baleen whale species that do not have a dorsal fin.
- Two prominent blowholes: Gray whales have two blowholes located close together on top of their heads.
Environment
Eschrichtiidae whales are found in the northern and southern hemispheres, migrating long distances between their breeding grounds and feeding grounds. Gray whales are known for their extensive migrations, traveling thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in warm, tropical waters to their feeding grounds in the Arctic and Antarctic. The gray whale's diet consists primarily of small crustaceans and other invertebrates that they find in the ocean floor.
References
For further information on Eschrichtiidae, you can refer to the following resources: