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.
Identification and Similar Species
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.
Photographic Field Records – Québec
Observed Behaviour - Québec (Field Recordings)
Surfacing Recorded 2021-08-25 in Parc marin du Saguenay-Saint-Laurent
Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings
This species can be observed during summer months (July, August and September) in Saguenay St Lawrence Marine Park.
Fact Sheet
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Fin Whale |
| 🇫🇷 | Rorqual commun |
| 🇩🇪 | Finnwal |
| 🇲🇽 | Rorcual común, Ballena de aleta |
Taxonomy
| Order | Artiodactyla |
| Infraorder | Cetacea |
| Family | Balaenopteridae |
Characteristics
| Length | 21-26m |
| Weight | 33.5-52t |
References – Fin Whale
Most content on this page is based on my direct field observations. General species background (taxonomy, range, and broader ecology) is informed by the sources listed below.
- https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.13091 - Evidence of unidirectional hybridization and second-generation adult hybrid between the two largest animals on Earth, the fin and blue whales
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-05-14