Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
Fin Whale is the second largest whale on Earth and a frequent visitor of Saint Lawrence River during summer. It is a fast swimmer and it likes to gather in groups for feeding.
- 🇫🇷 Rorqual commun
- 🇩🇪 Finnwal
- 🇲🇽 Rorcual común, Ballena de aleta
Characteristics
- Length: 21-26m
- Weight: 33.5-52t
How to Identify
The primary characteristic to identify this species is the form of the dorsal fin, with straight, not curved, anterior slope, the light grey color of the dorsal part, and the fact that this species doesn’t show the fluke when diving.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Where and When to Spot
This species can be observed during summer months (July, August and September) in Saguenay St Lawrence Marine Park.
Species Biology, Behavior, and Ecology
Explore detailed insights into the biology, behavior, and ecology of Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus). Click on a question to reveal the answer.
Has the Fin Whale a world-wide distribution?
Yes, they are found in all the major oceans, both in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, although they are more common in temperate and polar regions. Fin Whales tend to migrate seasonally between their feeding grounds in colder waters and breeding grounds in warmer waters. Their widespread presence makes them one of the most widely distributed of all whale species.
Is the Fin Whale an endangered species?
Yes, according to the Red List, the Fin Whale is listed as "Vulnerable" globally. They were heavily targeted by commercial whaling in the 20th century, which drastically reduced their populations. Despite the international ban on commercial whaling, threats such as ship strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear continue to pose risks to their recovery.
Is the Fin Whale the largest whale on Earth?
No, that title belongs to the Blue Whale. Fin Whales are the second largest whale species, reaching lengths of up to 26 meters and weights of around 80 tons. Despite being smaller than Blue Whales, Fin Whales are still among the largest animals on the planet.
Is the Fin Whale the deepest diver among whales?
No, that distinction belongs to the Cuvier's Beaked Whale. Fin Whales, while impressive in their own right, typically dive to depths of around 200 to 300 meters and their dives usually last for 10 to 15 minutes.
Is the Fin Whale the fastest swimmer among whales?
Yes, they can reach speeds of up to 37 kilometers per hour, the speed of a racing motor boat. This impressive speed has earned them the nickname "the greyhounds of the sea." Their streamlined bodies and powerful tails contribute to their ability to move quickly through the water.
Does the Fin Whale have any predators?
Yes, Fin Whales do have natural predators, although attacks on them are relatively rare due to their large size. The primary natural predator of the Fin Whale is the Orca. In addition to natural predators, Fin Whales also face threats from human activities, such as ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
Does the Fin Whale have teeth?
No, instead, like other baleen whales, it has baleen plates. These plates are made of keratin and hang from the upper jaw. The baleen plates have fringed edges that are used to filter food from the water. Fin Whales feed by taking in large amounts of water and then closing their mouths, forcing the water out through the baleen plates.
Does the Fin Whale hunt alone?
No, Fin Whales are NOT strictly solitary hunters. During my observations in Saint Lawrence Marine Park, I noted that Fin Whales often feed in small groups, a behavior that distinguishes them from Minke Whales, which typically prefer to hunt alone or accompanied by a juvenile.
Does the Fin Whale eat mostly krill?
Yes, the Fin Whale's diet primarily consists of krill, small shrimp-like crustaceans that are abundant in the oceans. However, Fin Whales have a varied diet and also consume other small marine organisms, including small fish, squid, and copepods.
Does the Fin Whale exhibit sexual dimorphism?
No, Fin Whales don't exhibit pronounced and observable morphological differences as seen in some other species. While females are generally slightly larger than males, adult female Fin Whales can reach lengths of up to 26 meters, whereas males typically reach around 24 meters. This difference in size is relatively minor.
Is the Fin Whale well studied in the field of animal behavior?
Yes, the Fin Whale has been studied extensively in various aspects of its biology, including its behavior. However, compared to some other whale species like the Humpback Whale or the Orca, which have been the focus of more detailed behavioral studies, the Fin Whale's behavior has received relatively less attention.
Is the Fin Whale easy to identify?
No. From a distance, Fin Whales and Minke Whales appear quite similar. To distinguish a Fin Whale, observe its size, whether it is associated with a small group, and if it displays a tall spout when surfacing. Additionally, their coloring can provide clues, as Fin Whales tend to appear less dark. If close, the huge size distinguishes it clearly from any other whale species.