Discover the 5 Majestic Whales Found in the Gulf of Mexico

This oceanic environment is partially enclosed and home to a variety of sea life. Some sea creatures are tiny while others are immense, powerful, and awe-inspiring. Discover five majestic whales found in the Gulf of Mexico!

5 Majestic Whales Found in the Gulf of Mexico

1. Rice’s Whale

Scientific name: Balaenoptera ricei

Rice’s whale is a baleen species that belongs to the Balaenopteridae family. This family includes sei whales, humpback whales, fin whales, and blue whales. Rice whales reside in the Gulf of Mexico only as they do not like to migrate to other waters. Their population is slowing down. In fact, there are less than 100 in existence today. They continue to be on the list of endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

2. Bryde’s Whale

Scientific name: Balaenoptera brydei                                   

Bryde’s whale also belongs to the baleen (the baleen name comes from using baleen plates which filter their food) species that belongs to the Balaenopteridae. They are found in tropical and subtropical climates. They live in the Gulf of Mexico as well as the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and other oceans as they gravitate to warm, tropical, and subtropical environments. These whales go wherever they can find prey, and sometimes it’s not easy for them to locate sustenance.

3. North Atlantic Right Whale

Scientific name: Eubalaena glacialis

This whale forms part of the baleen species. The baleen hangs on their upper jaws, appearing like curtains. Water goes in and when they let the water out, the “curtains” lock in their prey. These whales are classified as an endangered species by the IUCN. Statistics show that their population has declined significantly in the last few years. Though there are rules in place for conservation efforts, they still face challenges such as entanglements in fishing gear and habitat degradation.

4. Sperm Whale

Scientific name: Physeter macrocephalus

The sperm whale is a toothed whale but only its lower jaw has a full set of teeth. The head contains a cavity that has a waxy substance called spermaceti. They prefer deep waters but every now and then they have been found in shallow waters. These whales migrate continuously either for food or for breeding purposes. They can dive into very deep waters down to 10,000 feet if they so choose and are capable of staying in the deep ocean for long periods while they feast on their buffet of available prey. Echolocation (a complex click system) plays a major role in their life to help them navigate as it lets them know where their prey is and if predators are approaching them (including how far they are).                                               

5. Orca

Scientific name: Orcinus orca

Also known as a killer whale, this whale belongs to the dolphin family. It is considered to be very intelligent. Orcas are highly adaptable to different regions without regard to the weather, and they are even capable of inhabiting rivers and coastal areas. They live in pods (groups) as they are highly sociable creatures. They also have the ability to change their diets depending on where they are.