Wildlifeof China
Gray Whale
Whales, Dolphins & Dugong
Photo: (c) Chris Foster, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0
Eschrichtius robustus
Basic stats
Diet
Bottom-dwelling amphipods and other benthic invertebrates
Habitat
Coastal migration corridors, shallow feeding grounds and breeding lagoons
Range
North Pacific Ocean
Size
Approximately 12–15m
Weight
Up to approximately 41,000kg
The gray whale is a large baleen whale with mottled grey skin, no dorsal fin and a series of low knuckles along the tail stock. Barnacles and whale lice commonly cover parts of the body. Adults are approximately 12–15m long. The species occurs in the North Pacific and is strongly associated with coastal migration routes, shallow feeding grounds and sheltered breeding lagoons. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Gray whales commonly feed by rolling onto one side and suctioning sediment from the seabed, then filtering amphipods and other benthic animals through short baleen plates. Their long seasonal movements connect high-latitude feeding areas with warmer calving waters and bring them unusually close to shore. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Gray Whale eat?
- Bottom-dwelling amphipods and other benthic invertebrates
- What habitat does the Gray Whale live in?
- Coastal migration corridors, shallow feeding grounds and breeding lagoons
- Where is the Gray Whale found?
- North Pacific Ocean
- How big is the Gray Whale?
- Approximately 12–15m
- How much does the Gray Whale weigh?
- Up to approximately 41,000kg