Gray whales have about 130 to 180 baleen plates on each side. The right whale family, notably the bowhead whales, have the longest baleen. Baleen plates range in color from black to yellow or white, depending on the species. Baleen whales retain tooth buds during the embryonic stage. These tooth buds disappear before birth.
Baleen whales have a smooth skin surface with no oil glands or pores.
Many species have several hairs located on the snout, jaws, and chin. Samples of skin and blubber have been collected by shooting a hollow dart into a whale's body. Such samples can provide vital genetic information. This sampling technique, called biopsy darting, does not harm the whale. K. Throat grooves.