Animals

Facts about Rice's whale

We found 17 facts about Rice's whale

The Gulf of Mexico whale

Rice’s whale was not considered a species until 2021. Even now it is commonly mistaken for Bryde’s whale, with only genetics and anatomy distinguishing both whale species. It is one of the most endangered cetaceans in the world, with no more than 50 individuals alive.

Rice's whale
1
Rice’s whale was first described in 1965 by Dale Rice.
He cataloged it as a subpopulation of Bryde’s whale present in the Gulf of Mexico.
2
It was identified as a separate species in 2021.
It was named in recognition of Dale Rice’s discovery of the species.
3
It is endemic to the northeastern parts of the Gulf of Mexico.
4
It can be typically spotted at depths of 100 to 500 meters.
5
A typical male does not exceed 10 meters in length.
The largest male of the species was measured to be 11.26 meters in length.
6
Females of the species are slightly larger than males.
They can reach a weight of 20 tonnes.
7
Because Rice’s whale resembles the Bryde’s whale, it is distinguished by its skeletal anatomy and genetics.
8
It is characterized by a dark gray body with a pinkish throat.
9
A typical lifespan of a Rice’s whale is 60 years.
10
Rice’s whales are diurnal.
It is a common trait among all whales.
11
It feeds primarily on fish, but also on crustaceans, krill, and shrimp.
It is believed its prey of choice is hatchetfish and lanternfish.
12
Rice’s whales eat approximately 660 kilograms of food a day.
13
Females give birth to one calf after 11 to 12 months of gestation.
The calf typically weighs approximately 900 kilograms and exceeds three meters in length.
14
The reproduction takes place every two to three years.
15
It has been listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.
Its population is estimated at 30 to 50 individuals.
16
Along with vaquita, it is considered one of the most endangered cetaceans.
17
Rice’s whale is protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Enacted in 1972, it prohibits the take and import of marine mammal species.
Hungry for more facts?
Subscribe to Google News Random topic

Similar topics

15 facts about vaquita
15 facts about vaquita
Phocoena sinus
Vaquitas are the smallest of all known cetaceans. They are very timid, and thus spotting one is extremely rare. Native to the Gulf of California in Me ...
26 facts about Hippopotamus
26 facts about Hippopotamus
One of the most dangerous and aggressive mammals
At first glance, hippos appear to be gentle, slow animals. Aside from elephants, the only ones to surpass them in size, they are Africa's largest anim ...
21 facts about Asian elephant
21 facts about Asian elephant
Elephas maximus
Asian elephants are one of the most endangered terrestrial mammals. Previously so widespread they reached the basin of the Yangtze River, nowadays the ...
26 facts about red panda
26 facts about red panda
The lesser panda
The red panda, despite its name, does not belong to the same family as the giant panda. Although both species share similarities, such as cravings for ...
15 facts about Siberian roe deer
15 facts about Siberian roe deer
Eastern roe deer
The Siberian roe deer is a widespread species, commonly found in Siberia and Mongolia. They are shy animals, mostly solitary, but form a herd during w ...
25 facts about Quokkas
25 facts about Quokkas
The world’s happiest animal
Quokkas are famous for their “smile.” These small marsupials inhabit certain parts of Australia and have become somewhat of a world phenomenon. Ever s ...
25 facts about Giant panda
25 facts about Giant panda
The only bear that does not hibernate during winter
Pandas are incredibly strange representatives of Bears (Ursidae family). Despite being carnivores, most of their diet consists of plants. Interestingl ...
23 facts about Maine coon
23 facts about Maine coon
Gentle giants
Maine coons are one of the most popular domestic cat breeds in the world. They have a lovely temperament and enjoy playing and interacting with humans ...

Latest topics

18 facts about Orsay Museum
18 facts about Orsay Museum
France's second most visited museum after the Louvre
The Museum d'Orsay is one of the most important museums in Paris, located in a former railway station on the banks of the Seine. It specializes in Eur ...
28 facts about Neuschwanstein Castle
28 facts about Neuschwanstein Castle
Fairytale Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous and picturesque buildings in Germany. It is located in Bavaria and was built in the 19th century by or ...
21 facts about ballet
21 facts about ballet
History of the art of ballet through the ages
Ballet is considered an elite art form, involving much sacrifice and hard work, performed from an early age. It originated in the royal courts of Euro ...
14 facts about steel
14 facts about steel
Just a bit of carbon changes everything
Steel is a highly versatile and durable material used in a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. ...
19 facts about Sea otter
19 facts about Sea otter
Animals nearly extinct due to fur trade
With their playful personalities, adorable faces, and impressive tool skills, sea otters are among the most fascinating and charismatic animals in the ...
18 facts about Alpaca
18 facts about Alpaca
Highly intelligent, swift learning and gentle animals
Most of the world's alpaca population is found in South America, in the Altiplano region of Peru-Chile-Bolivia, where they are currently found only on ...
24 facts about Coyote
24 facts about Coyote
North America's loudest wild mammal
The coyote is an indispensable figure in the mythology of North America's indigenous peoples, as well as in most Wild West ranching and cattle movies. ...
25 facts about Galapagos Islands
25 facts about Galapagos Islands
Islands of the tortoises
The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands, islets and coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean. Since the nineteenth century it has belonge ...

Similar topics

Vaquita thumbnail
15 facts about vaquita
Vaquitas are the smallest of all known cetaceans. They are very timid, and thus spotting one is extremely rare. Native to the Gulf of California in Me ...
Hippopotamus thumbnail
26 facts about Hippopotamus
At first glance, hippos appear to be gentle, slow animals. Aside from elephants, the only ones to surpass them in size, they are Africa's largest anim ...
Asian elephant thumbnail
21 facts about Asian elephant
Asian elephants are one of the most endangered terrestrial mammals. Previously so widespread they reached the basin of the Yangtze River, nowadays the ...
Red panda thumbnail
26 facts about red panda
The red panda, despite its name, does not belong to the same family as the giant panda. Although both species share similarities, such as cravings for ...
Siberian roe deer thumbnail
15 facts about Siberian roe deer
The Siberian roe deer is a widespread species, commonly found in Siberia and Mongolia. They are shy animals, mostly solitary, but form a herd during w ...
Quokkas thumbnail
25 facts about Quokkas
Quokkas are famous for their “smile.” These small marsupials inhabit certain parts of Australia and have become somewhat of a world phenomenon. Ever s ...
Giant panda thumbnail
25 facts about Giant panda
Pandas are incredibly strange representatives of Bears (Ursidae family). Despite being carnivores, most of their diet consists of plants. Interestingl ...
Maine coon thumbnail
23 facts about Maine coon
Maine coons are one of the most popular domestic cat breeds in the world. They have a lovely temperament and enjoy playing and interacting with humans ...
Aye-aye thumbnail
26 facts about Aye-aye
Aye-aye is an endemic animal of Madagascar. For many, they are considered the ugliest and the weirdest creatures in the world. The natives believe tha ...
European pine marten thumbnail
19 facts about European pine marten
This small, predatory mammal is closely associated with the forest environment. It tries to avoid contact with humans and always be near some shelter. ...
Coyote thumbnail
24 facts about Coyote
The coyote is an indispensable figure in the mythology of North America's indigenous peoples, as well as in most Wild West ranching and cattle movies. ...
Alpaca thumbnail
18 facts about Alpaca
Most of the world's alpaca population is found in South America, in the Altiplano region of Peru-Chile-Bolivia, where they are currently found only on ...