| Latin Name |
Balaenoptera physalus |
| Conservation Status |
Endangered |
| Location
| Worldwide |
| Colour |
Grey |
| Length |
19 - 26.8 m (62 - 88 ft) |
| Weight |
45 - 75 tonnes (44.5 - 74 tons) |
| Life Expectancy |
Up to 94 Yrs |
Main Characteristics
Fin Whales are the second largest species of whale and the second largest living animal, with only the blue whale being larger. They are between 19 and 26.8 m (62 - 88 ft) in length and they weigh between 45 and 75 tonnes (44.5 - 74 tons).
Habitat
Fin Whales can be found worldwide.
Diet
Fin Whales feed on small schooling fish, squid and crustaceans such as krill.
Breeding
After a 12 month gestation period a single calf is born. At birth the calf is between 5.5 and 6.5 m (18 - 21 ft) in length and it weighs around 2 tons (1,814 Kgs). They are weaned at 9 - 10 months old and males reach sexual maturity at 6 - 10 years of age.
Due to the length of the gestation and nursing periods, Fin Whales have a birthing interval of 3 - 4 years.
Predators
Humans are predators of Fin Whales.
Subspecies
There are two subspecies of Fin Whale:
Northern Fin Whale
(Balaenoptera physalus physalus)
They are found in the North Atlantic
Antarctic Fin Whale
(Balaenoptera physalus quoyi)
They are found in the southern ocean
Interesting Facts
Fin Whales are also known as:
Finback Whale
Razorback
Common Rorqual
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