Rorquals

Rorquals are a group of large baleen whales within the family Balaenopteridae. The group includes several species across two genera: Balaenoptera, which contains the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whale (B. physalus), sei whale (B. borealis), Bryde’s whale (B. brydei), and the two minke species (B. acutorostrata and B. bonaerensis), as well as Omura’s whale (B. omurai); and Megaptera, which includes the humpback whale (M. novaeangliae). Rorquals are named for the expandable throat grooves, or ventral pleats, that allow them to gulp large amounts of seawater and prey during feeding.

Physically, rorquals are among the largest animals on Earth and are known for their streamlined bodies and powerful swimming. They are fast migrators, moving between high-latitude feeding grounds and warmer breeding areas. Their feeding method is lunge feeding: the whale accelerates into a patch of prey with an opened mouth, taking in a large volume of water and prey, then closes the mouth and pushes water out through the baleen plates while retaining the prey. Diet varies by species but commonly includes krill and small schooling fish; some species also take squid.

Rorquals have a global distribution, occurring in all oceans from polar to tropical waters. They were heavily exploited by commercial whaling in the 19th and 20th centuries, which reduced many populations. Protections since then have allowed some populations to recover, but others remain threatened or vulnerable due to bycatch, ship strikes, and habitat changes. Ongoing research monitors population trends and the effectiveness of conservation measures.