| Scientific name: | Balaenoptera musculus |
| Family: | Balaenopteridae |
| Range: | All oceans |
| Habitat: | Oceanic waters |
| Status: | Endangered |
| Population: | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Diet: | Crustaceans, especially krill and schooling fish |
| Length: | 23 – 30 m; females larger than males |
| Weight | 110 – 143 tons |
Identification
Flukes
Flukes are occasionally raised before a dive. Tail stock is very thick. Flukes are elongate with a slight notch in the middle.
Dorsal Fin
Dorsal fin is stubby and set far back on the body. Less prominent than on fin whales.
Flippers
Flippers are blue-gray. Long and slender.
Head Shape
Head is broad and flattened. Narrow in profile. Large splashguard.
Body
Streamlined body is extremely long. Back and flanks are dark bluish gray, mottled with paler gray blotches. Underside is white or pale blue-gray.
Blow
Tall, narrow blow up to 10m high.
Group Size
Usually found singly or in paris, with larger groups at good feeding grounds.
Behaviour
Approachable, but swims rapidly if disturbed. Youngsters breach, but adults only rarely. When undisturbed, dives of 5-20 minutes may be followed by 12-18 blows at 10- to 20-second intervals.