finwhales

The fin whale, Balaenoptera physalus, is the second-longest cetacean and the second-largest whale species, surpassed only by the blue whale. Also known as the finback whale or common rorqual, these baleen whales are characterized by their slender, streamlined bodies and a distinctive asymmetrical coloration, with the lower jaw on the right side being white and the left side dark. They typically range from 18 to 27 meters (59 to 89 feet) in length and can weigh up to 80 tons.

Fin whales are found in all major oceans, from polar to tropical waters, though they tend to prefer deeper waters. They are migratory, moving between feeding grounds in colder regions during the summer and breeding grounds in warmer waters during the winter. Their diet consists mainly of small schooling fish, krill, and squid, which they filter from the water using their baleen plates.

These whales are known for their speed, often referred to as the "greyhounds of the sea" due to their ability to reach speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour (25 mph). They are social animals, frequently observed alone or in small groups, but occasionally form larger aggregations at feeding sites. Fin whales communicate through a series of low-frequency vocalizations, which can travel long distances underwater.

Historically, fin whales were heavily hunted during the whaling era, leading to significant population declines. While commercial whaling has largely ceased, threats from ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and ocean noise pollution continue to impact their populations. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this species, and their numbers are slowly recovering in some areas.