Fauna
Mammal

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Also known as Finback Whale, Common Rorqual, Razorback Whale, Herring Whale

Fin whales slice through ocean waters at impressive speeds, earning them the moniker greyhounds of the sea. They display a unique asymmetrical coloration, featuring a stark white lower right jaw that contrasts with their otherwise dark grey body. Highly vocal, their low-frequency acoustic pulses can travel across hundreds of kilometers of open ocean to communicate with distant individuals.

MigratoryMarineGiant
Fin Whale reference1 / 7
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyKrill, Herring, Capelin
Predators
  • Killer Whale
ThreatsVessel strikes, ocean noise, fishing gear entanglement, climate change
HabitatsPelagic ocean, deep offshore waters
Life span80–100 years
Classification
  1. FamilyBalaenopteridae
  2. SpeciesBalaenoptera physalus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Maintain a safe distance of at least 100 meters while boating to prevent vessel strikes.
What to notice
Recognized by its long, sleek body, tall curved dorsal fin, and distinctive white lower right jaw.
Support conservation
Keep a respectful distance of at least 100 meters and reduce boat speeds in key migration routes.
Responsible observation
  • Boating Etiquette: Maintain a distance of at least 100 meters and slow your vessel to idle speed if whales approach.
  • Spotting Cues: Look for tall, column-like blows reaching up to eight meters high followed by a low dorsal fin surfacing late.
  • Noise Reduction: Turn off echo sounders and depth finders to minimize underwater sound disturbance near foraging pods.
Related species
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