Fin whale

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Balaenoptera physalus Saint-Laurent 02

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LMazzuca Fin Whale

Faroe stamp 401 fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), also known as the finback whale or razorback whale, is a marine mammal belonging to the suborder of baleen whales. It is the second-largest species on Earth after the blue whale. The fin whale's body is long and slender, coloured brownish-grey with a paler underside.

Description

The fin whale has a distinct ridge along its back behind the dorsal fin, which gives the species its common name. It can grow to lengths of up to 27 meters (88 ft) in males and 24 meters (79 ft) in females, with weights up to 74 tonnes. The fin whale's long body is supported by two pectoral fins, a dorsal fin, and a powerful tail fin used for propulsion.

Distribution and Habitat

Fin whales are found in all the world's major oceans, from polar to tropical waters. They are migratory, generally inhabiting colder waters in the summer to feed and warmer waters in the winter to breed. Their preferred habitats include deep offshore waters, but they can occasionally be seen closer to shore, in bays and estuaries.

Behavior

Fin whales are fast swimmers compared to other large whales, capable of reaching speeds of up to 23 miles per hour (37 km/h). They are known to be more solitary than other whales, although they can be found in small groups or pairs. Their diet consists mainly of small schooling fish, squid, and krill, which they filter through their baleen plates.

Conservation

The fin whale has been heavily hunted during the 20th century, leading to a significant decline in its population. It is currently listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Various international laws and agreements now protect fin whales, but threats such as ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change continue to affect their population.

Research and Observation

Research on fin whales is ongoing, with scientists studying their population sizes, distribution, and behavior to better understand how to protect them. Observations are often conducted via boat or from shore, and sometimes through tagging and tracking individuals to study their migration patterns.

See Also

• Whale conservation
• Baleen whale
• Marine mammal

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