Endangered

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Also known as: Sulphur Bottom

The Blue Whale is the largest animal ever known to exist on Earth - larger than any dinosaur. Their hearts are the size of a small car, and a human could crawl through their main arteries. Despite their size, they feed almost exclusively on tiny krill.

Max Size

100 feet (30 m)

Lifespan

80-90 years

Depth

0-500 meters

Water Type

saltwater

Scientific Classification

Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Family: Balaenopteridae
Species: Balaenoptera musculus

Habitat & Distribution

Habitat

Open oceanAll oceans

Distribution

All oceans worldwide

Behavior

Blue whales are generally solitary or found in small groups. They are deep divers and can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes. They produce the loudest sounds of any animal.

Reproduction

Females give birth to a single calf after 10-12 months of gestation. Calves are 23 feet long at birth and nurse for 6-7 months, drinking 100 gallons of milk daily.