KidZone Animals
Whales: Blue Whales
NOAA photo library; used with permission under Public Domain
Blue whales, or Balaenoptera musculus, are part of the same family as Gray, Humpback, and Right whales. They belong to the suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales), which means they have baleen plates that filter their food instead of sharp teeth. Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth and are found in all the world's major oceans.
These massive whales are a gray-blue color with light-gray spots all over their bodies, which is how they get the name "Blue whale." Blue whales have up to 400 baleen plates in their mouths, which they use to filter krill for consumption (see dinner); they can eat up to 8,000 pounds of krill each day. Now that's a supersized meal, McDonalds!
Blue whales have a small dorsal fin near the mid-rear of their large bodies; even though it's small compared to the whale, the dorsal fin alone can be close to the length of a small human.
Blue whales can measure up to 30 meters (98 feet) long and weigh up to 300,000 pounds (136,000 kilograms). Generally, the females are larger than the males, and both genders usually live to around 80 years old.
As mentioned, blue whales are the largest animals ever recorded on Earth. Fortunately, they are gentle giants and will not harm humans; though I know I would be stunned to swim in the ocean and come across one of these enormous creatures!
Key Points:
- Family: Blue whales are part of the same family as Gray, Humpback, and Right whales.
- Suborder: They belong to the suborder Mysticeti (baleen whales).
- Habitat: Found in all the world's major oceans.
- Physical Characteristics: Gray-blue color with light-gray spots, small dorsal fin, up to 400 baleen plates.
- Size: Can measure up to 30 meters (98 feet) long and weigh up to 300,000 pounds (136,000 kilograms).
- Diet: Eat up to 8,000 pounds of krill each day.