Scientific Name – Balaenoptera musculus

Classification – Cetaceans

Gender Names – Male – bull; Female – cowl;  baby – calf

Collective Noun – Pod, School, Herd

Average Length –  25 – 30 metres (80 – 100ft)

Average Weight – 110 – 135 tonnes (120 – 150 tons)

Top Speed – 50 kmh (30mph)

Life Expectancy – 80 – 90 years

Mating Season – Autumn and winter

Pregnancy – 10 – 12 months

Special Features –  The blue whale is the largest animal on earth. Their throats are pleated to allow filtering of water for food. They have a loud call and can be heard by other whales hundreds of miles away.

Family Unit – Adult whales live alone or in pairs

Geographical Distribution – All oceans of the world

World Population – Not known, estimated 5,000 – 15,000

Conservation Status – endangered

Natural Habitat – all oceans of the world

Diet –  krill

Predators – man (until 1966 when protected species)

 

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