Rice’s Whale
- Discovered: 2021
Native to the Gulf of Mexico, Rice’s Whale is a species of baleen whale. It seemed to be nearly exact to the Bryde’s whale, but genetic testing in 2021 proved it was its own distinct species. The only way to tell the difference between the two in appearance is that Rice’s whale by the appearance of its nasal bones. They have wider gaps wrapped by frontal bones. It also has a unique vocal sound with its calls. This species can grow a little bigger than 41 feet in length and weigh up to 27 metric tons. Sadly, the species is currently on the brink of extinction, with only 33 known and only 16 mature individuals.