Species · GBIF taxon 2440728
Minke Whale
Balaenoptera acutorostrataAlso known as Common Minke Whale, Northern Minke Whale, Lesser Rorqual, Sharp-headed Finner
Common minke whales are the smallest of the rorqual whales, recognized by their slender, streamlined bodies and a distinctive white band across each pectoral flipper. They are highly inquisitive ocean travelers that often approach vessels, sometimes breaching completely out of the water or spyhopping to survey their surroundings. These solitary mammals migrate vast distances annually, traveling between cold polar feeding grounds in summer and warm tropical breeding waters in winter.
Marine MammalMigratoryVocal
Licensed reference(c) Nils, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Nils · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Krill
- Herring
- Capelin
Predators
- Killer Whale
- Large Sharks
ThreatsCommercial whaling in some regions, ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and ocean noise.
HabitatsTemperate, boreal, and polar oceans, ranging from shallow coastal bays to deep offshore waters.
Life span30 to 50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyBalaenopteridae
- SpeciesBalaenoptera acutorostrata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Large marine mammal; maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards when boating.
- Why it is dangerous
- Their immense size and power can accidentally capsize small watercraft if they breach or surface too close.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a small, curved dorsal fin and a bright white band across each pectoral flipper.
- What to do
- Never steer a boat directly into their path; allow them to determine the direction of the encounter.
Responsible observation
- Boating Etiquette: Keep a distance of at least 100 yards and put engines in neutral if the whale approaches.
- Watch the Surface: Look for a quick, low blow followed almost immediately by the dorsal fin, as they rarely raise their flukes.
- Listen Closely: Listen for their loud, metallic boing sounds when using hydrophones in breeding areas.
Predator (c) Martín Acosta Albarracín, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Martín Acosta Albarracín · cc-by
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Cephas, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative NOAA / Public Domain (NOAA) · Public Domain (NOAA)
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