Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Balaenoptera musculus
- Common name
- Blue whale
- Category
- Marine mammals
- Family
- Balaenopteridae
- Genus
- Balaenoptera
- Size
- 2200–3000 cm
- Depth
- 0–500 m
- IUCN status
- Endangered (EN)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- pelagic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Balaenoptera musculus reaches 30 m and 190 tons, largest animal of all time, bigger than any dinosaur. Mysticete (Balaenopteridae) cosmopolitan from polar oceans to tropics with fusiform body blue-gray mottled with light spots, lighter belly, long black baleen, small far-back dorsal fin, vertical blow reaching 10 m. Feeds mainly on krill (up to 4 tons per day). Seasonal migrations between tropical breeding areas and polar feeding areas. IUCN Endangered, population decimated by historical whaling. Exceptional dive encounter, more accessible in whale watching (Azores, Sri Lanka, Gulf of California).
Photo of Blue whale
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Blue whale?
- Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) reaches 2200–3000 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Blue whale?
- Blue whale is found between 0–500 m deep.
- Is the Blue whale dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Blue whale?
- IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
- Where can you find the Blue whale?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Balaenoptera
Other species in the family Balaenopteridae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137090)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2440735)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia