Grey whales' skin lets out tiny droplets of oil to reduce drag in the water.
They've got an outer layer of skin that sheds rapidly to also reduce drag.
They've got an outer layer of skin that sheds rapidly to also reduce drag.
Their skin covers a very thick layer of blubber that acts as insolation and stores heat and energy .
The skin around the blowholes has many specialized nerve endings that are sensitive to changes as the blowhole breaks the waters surface.
The whales have 2-4 throat grooves that expand to allow for water intake during feeding.
The skin around the blowholes has many specialized nerve endings that are sensitive to changes as the blowhole breaks the waters surface.
The whales have 2-4 throat grooves that expand to allow for water intake during feeding.
Barnacles like to hitch rides on the whales. They don't harm the animal, but are often seen on their bodies in large patches.
The Cryptolepas rhachianecti, only rides on the grey whale. It spends its whole life upon the whale after it attaches.
The whales may also have lice! These eat whale skin and damaged tissue, and are harmful. Some believe the whales breach to rid themselves of the parasites.
The Cryptolepas rhachianecti, only rides on the grey whale. It spends its whole life upon the whale after it attaches.
The whales may also have lice! These eat whale skin and damaged tissue, and are harmful. Some believe the whales breach to rid themselves of the parasites.