How big is the Fin whale?

Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) reaches 1800–2700 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Fin whale?

Fin whale is found between 0–470 m deep.

Where can you find the Fin whale?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Balaenoptera physalus
Common name: Fin whale
Category: Marine mammals
Family: Balaenopteridae
Genus: Balaenoptera
Size: 1800–2700 cm
Depth: 0–470 m
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: open-water
Behaviours: solitary, schooling, fast-moving
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific

Description

Balaenoptera physalus reaches 27 m and 80 tons. Second largest animal in the world after the blue whale. Slender gray-brown silhouette above, white below, unique asymmetry for mammals: white right lower jaw but gray left. Baleen filter. Fastest of the great whales (40 km/h). Seasonal migrations, observed in spring-summer in Azores and Mediterranean (Pelagos sanctuary). Listed VU following whaling. Iconic encounters of Azores whale-watching trips April-June.

Photo of Fin whale

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Fin whale?: Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) reaches 1800–2700 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Fin whale?: Fin whale is found between 0–470 m deep.
Is the Fin whale dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Fin whale?: IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Fin whale?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Balaenoptera

Other species in the family Balaenopteridae

Megaptera novaeangliae - Humpback whale

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137091)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2440718)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia