Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The Fin Whale is one of the largest animals in the ocean! They are gentle giants that love to swim and explore the deep blue sea.

Appearance

The Fin Whale is a sleek, streamlined whale with a dark brownish-grey back and a white belly. It has a distinctive asymmetrical jaw coloration, with the right lower jaw being white and the left side dark. A light chevron pattern is often visible behind its head.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCetaceaFamilyBalaenopteridaeGenusBalaenoptera

Fin Whale

Interesting facts

A Fin Whale's heart is about the size of a small car, pumping blood through its giant body!

Called the "greyhound of the sea" for its incredible speed, it's one of the fastest whales!

These giants can eat up to 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds) of tiny krill every single day!

They have a unique asymmetrical coloration, with a white right lower jaw and a dark left one!

Special abilities

Fin Whale has huge baleen plates that help it filter massive amounts of tiny krill and fish from the water.

Fin Whale can make very low-pitched sounds that travel hundreds of miles underwater to communicate with other whales.

Measurements & details

Length: 1800-2400 cm
Weight: 40000-80000 kg
Lifespan: 70-90 years
Top Speed: 40 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 330-365 days

Diet & Feeding

Fin Whales are filter-feeders, scooping up tons of tiny ocean creatures to eat.

Primary Foods

Krill
Copepods
Herring
Capelin

Foraging Method

Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

eats

Antarctic Krill

Euphausia superba

a primary food source in cooler waters.

eats

Atlantic Herring

Clupea harengus

small schooling fish that are prey.

eaten by

Orca

Orcinus orca

calves are sometimes hunted by orca pods.

parasitizes

Whale Louse

Cyamus boopis

small crustaceans living on their skin.

Traits

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Filter Feeder

Discover amazing animals that filter their food right from the water! They have special ways to strain tiny bits of plants or other creatures to eat.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.

Aquatic

Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.

Giant

Prepare to be amazed by creatures or plants that are much bigger than usual! These impressive giants really stand out in the natural world.

Marine

Dive into the vast, salty waters of the ocean, teeming with an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales! It's a watery wonderland.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.