The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is among the largest animals ever to have lived. Blue whales are baleen whales. This group of whales is characterized by a set of baleen plates in their mouth that serve to filter prey from the water. The blue whale has grooves or folds of skin that run along the underside of its mouth, throat, and upper abdomen. The skin folds expand when the whale opens it mouth to scoop up prey.
Blue whales are streamlined creatures with pale blue-gray coloration. In addition to being the largest animal, they are also capable of producing the loudest sound. Blue whales moan, grunt, and hum at impressive volumes of up to 180 decibles. When diving from the surface, blue whales arc at near vertical angles, exposing their broad tail flukes. The power needed to propel themselves through the water comes from their back muscles, not from their flippers.
- Mass: 190,000 kg
- Body Length: 26-33 m
- Diet: small crustaceans
- Breeding Season: during winter months
- Age at Sexual Maturity: 5 years
- Number of Offspring: 1
- Average Lifespan: 85 years
Classification:
Where to See:
Worldwide oceans and seas, excluding Arabian Gulf, Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Red Sea.
References:
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Dewey T, Fox D. 2002. Balaenoptera musculus. Animal Diversity Web. November 28, 2008.
