Omura's Whale (original) (raw)

2009

Abstract

Publisher Summary Omura's whale is a medium-sized baleen whale found in lower latitude Indo-Pacific waters of both the hemispheres. The body length of the species is about 10–12 m. External proportions of the body are similar to those of the Bryde's whales and sei whale. Absence of lateral ridges on the dorsal surface of the head is the most diagnostic characteristic for distinguishing it from the Bryde's whales. The lateral contour of the upper jaw is convex as in the blue whale. The ventral pleats extend as far as around the umbilicus, separating it from the sei whale. Omura's whale is distinctly counter-shaded, basically black above and off-white below. The dark portion of the color pattern is lighter than in the fin whale. The configuration of the vertex is also unique; the posterior end of the ascending process of the maxilla widens and becomes squarish and the posterior end of the premaxilla becomes thin and sinks between the nasal and the maxilla. A narrow area of the frontal is exposed between the nasals and the occipital shield. Nothing is known of the behavior and physiology of this whale.

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