Northern Right Whale Dolphin
Northern Right Whale Dolphin
Northern Right Whale Dolphin
In the cold waters of the North Pacific, lives an unusual dolphin without a dorsal fin. This is the northern right whale dolphin. With their streamlined bodies, they are known for their speed and their playful habit of riding alongside boats. Let's explore the unique ecology of the northern right whale dolphin and their environment.
Northern Right Whale Dolphin Basic Infomation
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lissodelphis borealis |
| Taxonomic Status | ACCEPTED |
| Rank | SPECIES |
| Vernacular Names | Northern Right Whale Dolphin |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Cetartiodactyla |
| Family | Delphinidae |
| Genus | Lissodelphis |
| Habitats | Temperate to subarctic waters of the North Pacific Ocean |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Size
They are about 6.5 to 9.8 feet (2 to 3 meters) long and weigh about 132 to 220 pounds (60 to 100 kilograms). They are a relatively small dolphin species. Males tend to be slightly larger than females.
Lifespan
Their lifespan in the wild is estimated to be about 40 years.
Distribution
They are widely distributed in the temperate to subarctic waters of the North Pacific Ocean. They prefer the open ocean, living in deep waters over 650 feet (200 meters) deep. They are occasionally sighted off the coast of Hokkaido and northern Honshu in Japan.
Northern Right Whale Dolphin Q&A
What kind of dolphin is the northern right whale dolphin?
The northern right whale dolphin is a species of dolphin belonging to the genus Lissodelphis.
Unlike other dolphins, they do not have a dorsal fin. This is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation for faster swimming, as the lack of a dorsal fin reduces drag in the water. They have a striking black and white two-tone coloration, making them quite stylish. In English, they are called 'northern right whale dolphins' because they live in the North Pacific and can dive deep like whales. They are known for their active behavior, often leaping, spinning, and riding waves. They also love to ride the bow waves of boats, effortlessly gliding through the water as if surfing. They are highly intelligent and social and are known for their large pods, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands!
What do northern right whale dolphins eat?
Northern right whale dolphins are carnivores and their diet consists mainly of fish, squid, and krill.
They are most active at night, diving deep into the ocean to hunt for food. They hunt in groups, herding and encircling their prey. They also use echolocation to find their prey.
[Quiz!] Why don't northern right whale dolphins have a dorsal fin?
It is thought that northern right whale dolphins lost their dorsal fin as an adaptation for faster swimming.
The absence of a dorsal fin reduces drag in the water, allowing them to swim faster. They can swim at speeds of over 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour). Their lack of a dorsal fin also allows them to navigate through narrow spaces, which is useful when chasing prey.
[Quiz!] Are northern right whale dolphins endangered?
The northern right whale dolphin is listed as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.
This means that they are not currently endangered. However, their numbers are potentially declining due to marine pollution, bycatch from fisheries, and collisions with ships. To protect northern right whale dolphins, it is crucial to protect the marine environment and learn more about them.
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Northern Right Whale Dolphin Type of List
Characteristics of Northern Right Whale Dolphins
- Lack a dorsal fin
- Black and white two-tone coloration
- About 6.5 to 9.8 feet (2 to 3 meters) long
- Weigh about 132 to 220 pounds (60 to 100 kilograms)
- Fast swimmers
- Enjoy riding bow waves
- Found in the North Pacific Ocean
- Least Concern (LC), but there are concerns about marine pollution, bycatch, and collisions with ships
Information
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Northern Right Whale Dolphin References
Northern Right Whale Dolphin Introduction of media used
Credit: NOAA NMFS., Public domain, ウィキメディア・コモンズ経由で
Public domain, ウィキメディア・コモンズ経由で
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Northern Right Whale Dolphin
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