How many species does 'Bryde's whale' include?

The term refers to a complex that putatively comprises three species and possibly four; the exact number and classification are unclear because of limited definitive research.

Where are Bryde's whales found?

The common Bryde's whale (B. brydei) occurs in warm temperate and tropical waters worldwide; B. edeni is a smaller form that may be restricted to the Indo‑Pacific, with other coastal and regional forms reported.

Why is classification of Bryde's whale uncertain?

Taxonomic uncertainty stems from a lack of definitive information and research, and from the existence of multiple similar forms that differ in size and skull morphology.

Who are Bryde's and Eden's whales named after?

B. brydei is named for Johan Bryde, a Norwegian consul who helped establish South Africa's first modern whaling station; B. edeni is named for Sir Ashley Eden, a former High Commissioner of Burma (Myanmar).

What is the 'Sittang whale' name referring to?

Sittang whale refers to the type locality for B. edeni.

Are there regional size differences within the complex?

Yes; the source describes larger and smaller forms, including a smaller coastal form off southern Africa and other small forms in the Indo‑Pacific.

Where to See Bryde’s Whale While Diving

Q: Are Omura's whale and Rice's whale the same as Bryde's whale?

No; Omura's whale (B. omurai) was formerly thought to be a pygmy Bryde's whale but is now recognized as a distinct species, and Rice's whale (B. ricei) was described as a separate species in 2021.

Q: When was Rice's whale reclassified?

Rice's whale was described as a separate species in 2021.

Bryde's whale (pronounced BRUU-dəz) refers to a complex of closely related rorquals rather than a single, well‑defined species. The complex putatively comprises three species and possibly four; taxonomy and classification remain unclear due to limited definitive information and research. The common Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei) is described as a larger form with a worldwide distribution in warm temperate and tropical waters. The Sittang or Eden's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) is a smaller form that may be restricted to the Indo‑Pacific. Additional forms include a smaller coastal form off southern Africa and a tentatively recognized Indo‑Pacific form differing in skull morphology. Omura's whale (B. omurai) was formerly considered a pygmy Bryde's whale but is now recognized as a distinct species. Rice's whale (B. ricei), once considered a population of Bryde's whale, was described as a separate species in 2021.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Mahé and countries such as Seychelles for divers building trips around bryde’s whales.