Community of Organisms on Right Whale Callosity

Detailed view of one of the callosities on the head of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis). These rough bumps are populated by a number of organisms, the most prevalent of which are whale lice, seen here in great numbers. The species pictured here seems to be Cyamus ovalis. There are also barnacles and other organisms that I am unable to identify. The purpose of these callosities in unknown, as is the relationship between the whale and the organisms that make a home on and in these growths. Photographed with the permission of the Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa.

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Filename: southern-right-whale-callosity-community-of-organisms-201507-04511.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 5415x3610 / 56.5MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Whale Southern Right Whale Animalia Chordata Mammalia Eutheria Cetacea Cetartiodactyla Mysticeti Balaenidae Eubalaena australis Marine Mammal Baleen Whale Filter Feeder Mysticete CITES Appendix 1 Least Concern: IUCN Red List Indian Ocean South Africa Andazi Ekweetnie
Contained in galleries: Southern Right Whales, Marine Life | South Africa

Detailed view of one of the callosities on the head of a southern right whale (Eubalaena australis). These rough bumps are populated by a number of organisms, the most prevalent of which are whale lice, seen here in great numbers. The species pictured here seems to be Cyamus ovalis. There are also barnacles and other organisms that I am unable to identify. The purpose of these callosities in unknown, as is the relationship between the whale and the organisms that make a home on and in these growths. Photographed with the permission of the Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa.