Blue Whale

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Endangered

Image generated by artificial intelligence

DESCRIPTION

The Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest animal on Earth, characterized by its long, slender, blue-gray mottled body. It is a baleen whale that feeds almost exclusively on krill through filter feeding. Blue whales are generally solitary or found in small groups, migrating between polar feeding grounds and warmer breeding waters.

Max Length 33.5 m
Max Weight 200 t
Lifespan 80 - 110 years
Habitat Coastal zone and open water
Depth Range 0 - 500 m
Diet Filter feeder
Activity Variable
Social Behavior Mixed behavour
Range

Where Blue Whale has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Blue Whale

Where can you see the Blue Whale?

The Blue Whale can be seen at 8 dive destinations in Ecuador, Mexico, and Australia. The best spots include Baja California Sur (Mexico), Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Gordon Rocks (Ecuador), Kicker Rock (Ecuador), and Ningaloo reef (Australia).

What is the best time to see the Blue Whale?

The Blue Whale is most often seen at Ningaloo reef from September to October.

Where can you see the Blue Whale in Ecuador?

In Ecuador, you can see the Blue Whale at Galapagos Islands, Gordon Rocks, Kicker Rock, and Punta Vicente Roca.

Where can you see the Blue Whale in Mexico?

In Mexico, you can see the Blue Whale at Baja California Sur, Revillagigedo Islands, and Socorro Islands.

Where can you see the Blue Whale in Australia?

In Australia, you can see the Blue Whale at Ningaloo reef.

How big does the Blue Whale get?

The Blue Whale can reach up to 33.5 m in length and 200 t in weight.

What habitat does the Blue Whale live in?

The Blue Whale is found in these habitats: coastal zone and open water.

How deep does the Blue Whale live?

The Blue Whale lives from the surface down to 500 m.

What does the Blue Whale eat?

Strains plankton and tiny particles straight out of the water as it swims.

When is the Blue Whale most active?

Its rhythm shifts with the season, the tide or the region, so the same species may be active by day in one place and by night in another.

How long does the Blue Whale live?

The Blue Whale lives 80 to 110 years.

What is the conservation status of the Blue Whale?

The Blue Whale is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Blue Whale. Spotted something that looks off?

Tell us