Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Mammalia · Cetacea · Balaenopteridae

About

The fin whale, also known as the finback whale or common rorqual, is a species of baleen whale and the second-longest cetacean after the blue whale. The biggest individual reportedly measured 26–27 m (85–89 ft) in length, with a maximum recorded weight of 65.5 to 120 tonnes. The fin whale's body is long, slender and brownish-gray in color, with a paler underside to appear less conspicuous from below (countershading).

Fun Fact

Fin whales are uniquely asymmetrically colored — the right lower jaw is white while the left is dark — possibly to help them corral fish by flashing the bright side during feeding lunges.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Open oceans

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

80-90 years

Threats

Ocean Acidification
Poaching
Overfishing

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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