Mammal

Fin Whale Facts Balaenoptera physalus

MammalDeep offshore waters of all major oceans, mainly in temperate to polar latitudesCarnivore

The fin whale is the second-largest whale species, a streamlined baleen whale found throughout the world's oceans.

Habitat: Marine
Diet: Krill, small schooling fish such as herring, capelin and sand lance, and squid
Lifespan: Up to 114 years (maximum recorded longevity)

Classification

Family: Balaenopteridae. Order: Artiodactyla.

Fin Whale Habitat

Fin Whales live in Marine and Open Ocean habitats. Their recorded range includes Deep offshore waters of all major oceans, mainly in temperate to polar latitudes. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.

What Do Fin Whales Eat?

Diet classification: Carnivore. Recorded foods: Krill, small schooling fish such as herring, capelin and sand lance, and squid.

Fin Whale Lifespan, Size, and Weight

Recorded lifespan: Up to 114 years (maximum recorded longevity). Recorded size: Adults are commonly about 75–85 ft (23–26 m) long. Recorded weight: 70 metric tonnes.

Fin Whale Conservation Status

Fin Whale is listed here as Vulnerable. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region: Deep offshore waters of all major oceans, mainly in temperate to polar latitudes
Habitat: Marine, Open Ocean
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: Up to 114 years (maximum recorded longevity)
Size: Adults are commonly about 75–85 ft (23–26 m) long
Weight: 70 metric tonnes

Fun facts

Fin whales are the second-largest whale species after blue whales.
The lower jaw is asymmetrically colored, with the right side lighter than the left.
They can lunge into dense prey schools and filter food from seawater through baleen plates.

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