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823 Featured Specimen
Fin whale

Details

Fin whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Size
Total length 18–27 m · 40–80 t
Diet
Filter Feeder
Activity
Seasonal
Sociality
Loose group
Lifespan

Fin whale is a long, fast-swimming baleen whale, one of the largest animals alive. Past whaling caused major declines, and ship strikes and ocean noise remain concerns.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
Pacific OceanPacific OceanPacific OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanIndian OceanSouthern Ocean

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It ranges through oceans worldwide, moving seasonally between feeding and warmer waters. Main habitat types in this guide are ocean.

Appearance

Typical length 1800-2700 cm, weight 40 t-80 t. A very long body, low dorsal fin, and asymmetrical lower-jaw coloring are distinctive.

Behavior

It is seasonal in its movements and activity and often found in loose groups. It migrates seasonally and surfaces alone or in small groups to breathe.

Feeding

It is a filter feeder. Krill, small fish, and plankton are engulfed with seawater and filtered through baleen.

Reproduction

Females bear single calves that nurse while accompanying the mother on seasonal movements.

Notes

Habitat loss and human pressure make conservation attention important. Past whaling caused major declines, and ship strikes and ocean noise remain concerns.