| Scientific Name: | Eubalaena australis |
| Family: | Balaenidae |
| Range: | Southern Atlantic, Indian, Pacific |
| Habitat: | Coastal waters especially, but also oceanic |
| Status: | Vulnerable |
| Population: | Fewer than 8000 |
| Diet: | Crustaceans and zooplankton |
| Length: | 11-18m, females larger than males |
| Weight: | 55-88 tons |
Identification
Flukes
Wide with a distinct notch in the middle, and may be raised high in the air. Narrow tail stock.
Dorsal Fin
Lacks a dorsal fin and other projections on the back.
Flippers
Broad and black or dark brown.
Head Shape
Broad head has an arched jaw and distinctive growths of rough skin called callosities.
Body
Stocky, most of the body is black or dark brown. Pale regions and some mottling on underside.
Blow
Two blowholes. V-shaped blow up to 5m (16ft) high.
Group Size
Usually found singly , in pairs or in threes, with larger groups at good feeding grounds.
Behaviour
Slow swimmers but acrobatic at the surface. Breach, lobtail and flipper-slap. Can be inquisitive. May skim feed at surface, showing baleen. Sometimes “sail” along with flukes extended in the air.