Right whales are among the rarest of all marine mammal species. North Atlantic right whales tend to be black with white undersides and lack the typical dorsal fin that most whales have. They have large heads, broad backs, paddle-like flippers and a curved lower lip resembling a frown.  The varying patterns of rough patches of skin called callosities found on their bodies are marks of identification that aid scientists to track different individuals. Rather than teeth, right whales have baleen plates in their mouths. These help the whales to filter small zooplankton and krill from the water. 

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The North Atlantic right whale is comprised of two separate populations – the western and eastern populations.

Length 45-55 ft
Weight Up to 70 tons; females are larger than males

Lifespan 50-100 years

Staples zooplankton and krill