noun
North Pacific right whale
A specific species of baleen whale (Eubalaena japonica) found in the North Pacific. The name is often written in katakana.
セミクジラは絶滅危惧種に指定されている。
The North Pacific right whale is designated as an endangered species.
セミイルカ refers to the northern right whale dolphin, a different cetacean. The prefix セミ (from 背美) is shared but the animals are distinct.
The name セミクジラ is thought to derive from 背美 (semi, 'beautiful back') + 鯨 (kujira, 'whale'), referring to the whale's smooth, dark back. The exact historical origin is uncertain.