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Common Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

The Common Minke Whale is a sleek and fast swimmer found in oceans around the world. They are known for their playful nature and can often be seen leaping out of the water!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Common Minke Whale has a sleek, dark grey back with a distinctive white band on each flipper, contrasting with its white belly. Its head is pointed, and it has a small dorsal fin located far back on its body, making it visually unique.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCetaceaFamilyBalaenopteridaeGenusBalaenoptera
Common Minke Whale
social trait badgefilter_feeder trait badgepiscivorous trait badgecoastal trait badge
Common Minke Whale

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Minke whales breathe air, but can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes!

Minke whales make sounds like moans and thumps to talk underwater!

Sometimes they 'spyhop,' poking their head out of the water to look around!

They have two blowholes, not just one, on top of their heads!

Special abilities

Ability

Gulp Feeding

Common Minke Whale can gulp huge amounts of water because of its expanding throat, that helps them filter out tiny food.

Ability

Ocean Sprint

Common Minke Whale has a streamlined body shape that helps them slice through water at impressive speeds.

Ability

Deep Dive Hunter

Common Minke Whale can hold its breath for long periods, which helps them hunt prey in deeper waters.

Measurements & details

Length
700-1000 cm
Weight
5000-10000 kg
Lifespan
30-50 years
Top Speed
30 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
300-305 days

Diet & Feeding

These whales are expert filter feeders, gulping down huge amounts of water to catch tiny ocean creatures!

Primary Foods

  • krill
  • capelin
  • herring
  • copepods

Foraging Method

  • Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch whales from a safe distance and never try to touch or swim with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Common Minke Whale?

700-1000 cm

How much does Common Minke Whale weigh?

5000-10000 kg

How long does Common Minke Whale live?

30-50 years

How fast can Common Minke Whale move?

30 km/h

What does Common Minke Whale eat?

These whales are expert filter feeders, gulping down huge amounts of water to catch tiny ocean creatures!

Where is Common Minke Whale usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Common Minke Whale hunt?

Filter Feeding

How many babies does Common Minke Whale usually have?

1

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