Species MammalsNorthern Right Whale Dolphin

Northern Right Whale Dolphin

Lissodelphis borealis

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Northern Right Whale Dolphin (Lissodelphis borealis)

The Northern Right Whale Dolphin is the only dolphin in the North Pacific without a dorsal fin, giving it a sleek, spindle-like profile that is unmistakable at sea. It forms large, fast-moving herds of thousands in cold Pacific waters and is the cetacean most commonly seen in mass aggregations off the California coast during winter. Its slender finless back allows it to reach very high burst speeds.

Habitat
Cold temperate and subarctic North Pacific offshore waters
Diet
Squid, lanternfish, and other mesopelagic prey
How common
Uncommon

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