Common Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Cetacea · Balaenopteridae

About

The common minke whale or northern minke whale is a species of minke whale within the suborder of baleen whales.

Fun Fact

Common minke whales produce a mysterious repetitive sound called the 'Star Wars sound' or 'boing' that puzzled oceanographers for decades before being traced to this species.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Coastal and offshore waters

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

40-50 years

Threats

Shipping Traffic
Overfishing

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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