Caperea, also known as Pygmy right whale, is a genus of large marine mammal belonging to the family Neobalaenidae. It is the second smallest baleen whale species and is believed to be the sole surviving member of an ancient lineage dating back around 25 million years. The name "Caperea" is derived from the Latin word "capere" meaning "to take," referencing the animal's ability to capture and take in water during feeding.
The Caperea species typically reaches lengths of up to 7 meters (23 feet) and can weigh up to 7 tons. They are characterized by their slim, elongated bodies, a small, arched mouth, and a single ridge on the top of their head. Its body is predominantly a bluish-gray color with lighter patches on the belly, while the skin is covered in rough, irregularly shaped callosities.
Caperea whales mainly inhabit the Southern Hemisphere, with sightings reported in the waters surrounding New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and regions of South America. They are known to undertake long migrations, with feeding grounds in high-latitude waters during the summer months and warmer breeding grounds found in lower latitudes during the winter.
Despite being relatively elusive and little studied, Caperea whales are thought to feed predominantly on small crustaceans, zooplankton, and other small marine invertebrates. Their feeding behavior involves gulp-feeding, wherein they take in large volumes of water and filter out their prey using baleen plates in their mouths.
Due to their limited population and scarce sightings, the conservation status of Caperea species remains uncertain. However, they are protected by several international conventions and agreements, such as the International Whaling Commission, to ensure their continued existence and preservation.
