A warm-water rorqual known as Eden's Whale, whose taxonomy remains a subject of debate: for decades it was confused with at least two other very similar-looking rorqual species, including one discovered as recently as 2003.
A medium-large rorqual with a slender body, three well-defined parallel ridges on the front of the head — a unique feature among rorquals that helps distinguish it from other species — and a relatively tall, falcate dorsal fin.
Temperate and tropical waters worldwide, both coastal and oceanic, between 40° North and 40° South.
Piscivorous and planktivorous; feeds on shoaling fish and small marine invertebrates, filtered through its baleen plates.
Usually travels singly or in small groups; can make sudden, unpredictable surface movements when feeding, unlike other rorquals whose movements are more predictable.
A widespread species considered Least Concern globally, although taxonomic confusion with related species makes precise population trends difficult to assess.
Vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and underwater noise pollution.
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