Blue Whale

Order : Mysticetes
Family: Balaenopteridae
Other names: blue whale, fin Sibbald
Scientific name: Balaenoptera musculus
Size: 26 to 28 metres (maximum 33 metres)
Weight: 75 to 130 tonnes (maximum 190 tonnes)
Dorsal fin:  small and visible only briefly during the diving sequence.
Located about three-quarters to the rear of the animal's body, its shape varies from one individual to another, in some individuals it appears as a bump almost imperceptible, in others it is prominent and falcate.
Longevity: has been estimated to be 80 years or more
Blow: tall and vertical, up to 9 metres in height, generally it can be seen from afar in calm weather.

 It is the largest animal living in our time and, in the present state of knowledge, the largest animal that ever lived on earth.

 Like many other whales, blue whales feed mainly of a small crustacean, krill, but also on small fishes and sometimes on squid.

 Blue whales typically live alone or with another individual. It is unclear whether those who travel in pairs remain together for long periods or if it is only a temporary relationship. In places where there is a high concentration of food you could see up to 50 blue whales gathered in a limited area. However, they do not form large organized groups as seen in other species of whales.

 The upper part of the whale, and sometimes the fins are usually spotted. The importance of these spots varies significantly from one individual to another.

Migratory species, it is present in all oceans and seas all over the world. It is an occasional visitor to the our islands, its last confirmed visit dates back to September 2000 when it was possible to see several individuals near the coast of St. Pierre.

 

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