Eschrichtius
Eschrichtius is a genus of baleen whales that contains only one extant species, the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). This genus is classified within the family Eschrichtiidae, which is the only family in the suborder Eschrichtiinae. Gray whales are characterized by their distinctive, slow-moving behavior and their unique feeding strategy, which involves sifting sediment for small invertebrates.
Common Names
Eschrichtius is commonly referred to as the "gray whale" genus, referencing the only species within this genus, Eschrichtius robustus.
Characteristics
Members of the genus Eschrichtius possess several distinguishing characteristics, including:
- Robust, barrel-shaped body: Gray whales are relatively short and stout compared to other baleen whales, with a distinctive hump just behind the head.
- Rough, barnacle-encrusted skin: Their skin is thick and wrinkled, often covered in barnacles and other epibionts.
- Short, broad flippers: Their flippers are short and paddle-shaped, aiding in maneuverability.
- Two blowholes: Unlike other baleen whales, they have two blowholes located near the top of their head.
- Unique baleen plates: Their baleen plates are short and bristle-like, unlike the long, thin plates of other baleen whales.
Environment
Eschrichtius whales are found in both the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. They are migratory, spending their breeding season in warm, tropical waters and migrating to colder, high-latitude areas to feed.
References
For more information about Eschrichtius, consult the following resources: