The southern right whale is a large marine mammal found primarily in the southern hemisphere. They are known for their distinctive callosities, which are rough patches of skin that often host barnacles. These whales can grow up to 18 meters (59 feet) long and weigh as much as 80 tons. They are typically dark gray or black, with some individuals displaying white patches. Southern right whales are baleen whales, meaning they filter-feed on small organisms like krill and plankton. They are known for their slow swimming and often come close to shore, making them a popular sight for whale watchers. Conservation efforts have helped their populations recover from past whaling practices.