What are the callosities on the southern right whale’s body?
The callosities on the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) are thickened patches of hardened skin found mainly on the head of the animal. These formations are unique to each whale, allowing scientists to identify individuals, much like human fingerprints.
Characteristics of Callosities
✔ Composition: They are thickened areas of skin that do not change position throughout the whale’s life.
✔ Location: Found on the head, above the eyes, on the jaw, and around the blowholes.
✔ Color: Although the whale’s skin is dark, the callosities appear white or yellowish due to the presence of tiny crustaceans called cyamids (whale lice) that live on them.
✔ Function: While their exact function is unclear, they are believed to protect sensitive areas and help in individual recognition among whales.
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Why Are Callosities White or Yellowish?
The callosities themselves are not naturally white, but they appear white because they are covered by small parasites, such as cyamids and barnacles, that attach to the whale’s skin. These organisms do not harm the whale but feed on dead skin cells.
🔍 Fun Facts
🔹 Each whale has a unique callosity pattern, allowing researchers to track them over the years.
🔹 Calves are born without callosities and develop them within the first few months of life.
🔹 Southern right whales are identified individually through the study of their callosities, which is crucial for species conservation.
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