Top 10 Biggest Whales In The World

Large whales are some of the most majestic and awe-inspiring creatures on Earth. These magnificent marine mammals belong to the cetacean family and are known for their immense size and graceful movements through the water. 

Among the largest animals ever to have lived on our planet, they evoke a sense of wonder and fascination among both scientists and the general public. There are several species of large whales, but the most well-known ones include the blue whale, the fin whale, the humpback whale, the sperm whale, and the bowhead whale.

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Each of these species has unique characteristics and adaptations that enable them to thrive in different ocean environments around the world. Here we would like to share with you the top 10 biggest whales in the world across the deep sea.

10. Minke Whale (10 Meters)

The minke whale, a member of the baleen whale family, is one of the most widespread and abundant species of whales in the world. There are two recognized species of minke whale: the common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and the Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). 

These whales are named after the Norwegian whaler, Meincke, who first identified them in the 18th century. Size-wise, the minke whale is considered relatively small compared to other baleen whales. 

Common minke whales typically reach lengths of 23 to 33 feet (7 to 10 meters) and weigh between 5 and 10 tons. Antarctic minke whales are slightly larger, with lengths ranging from 26 to 35 feet (8 to 10.7 meters). 

Despite their size, minke whales are still formidable creatures and are known for their speed and agility in the water.

9. Bryde’s Whale (14 Meters)

The Bryde's whale (pronounced "broo-dah"), also spelled as "Bryde whale" or "Bryde's whale," is a baleen whale species belonging to the genus Balaenoptera. It is named after Johan Bryde, a Norwegian who helped establish the first whaling station in South Africa.

Bryde's whales are medium-sized baleen whales, measuring between 40 to 55 feet (12 to 17 meters) in length and weighing up to 30 to 40 tons. They have streamlined bodies with a dark gray or bluish color on their backs and lighter undersides. 

Their heads are somewhat flattened, and they have three prominent ridges on top, just in front of their blowhole. Bryde's whales are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They prefer warm oceanic regions and are commonly seen in coastal areas where prey concentrations are high.

8. Gray Whale (15 Meters)

The Gray Whale, also known as the California Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus), is a magnificent marine mammal and a member of the baleen whale family. It is one of the most well-known and iconic whales, famous for its long annual migration.

The Gray Whale is a medium to large-sized whale, with adult females typically larger than adult males. On average, adult Gray Whales reach lengths of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) and weigh between 30 to 40 tons.

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They have robust bodies, with a mottled gray coloration and patches of white barnacles and whale lice on their skin, giving them a distinctive appearance. These whales undertake one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, traveling between their feeding grounds in the cold Arctic waters and their breeding and calving grounds in the warm waters of Baja California, Mexico.

7. Sei Whale (16 Meters)

The Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis) is a magnificent marine mammal and one of the largest species of baleen whales. It belongs to the same genus as the fin whale and the Bryde's whale. The name "Sei" comes from the Norwegian word "seje," which means "pollock," a type of fish that these whales are known to feed on.

Adult Sei Whales typically reach lengths of 49 to 52 feet (15 to 16 meters) and can weigh up to 20 to 30 tons. They have a slender body with a sleek appearance, and their coloration is generally dark bluish-gray on the back and sides, with a lighter underside.

During the feeding season, they are commonly seen in cold, productive waters, where their prey is abundant. They undertake seasonal migrations, moving to higher latitudes in the summer months to feed in cold, nutrient-rich waters and then returning to lower latitudes during the winter.

6. Humpback Whale (16 Meters)

The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is one of the most iconic and well-known species of baleen whales. These magnificent marine mammals are renowned for their acrobatic behaviors, haunting songs, and impressive size. 

Humpback Whales belong to the family Balaenopteridae, and their scientific name, "Megaptera," translates to "big-winged" in reference to their long pectoral fins. Humpback Whales are large animals, with adult males reaching lengths of about 48 to 62 feet (14.6 to 18.9 meters) and weighing around 30 to 40 tons. 

Females are slightly larger than males. These whales have a distinct body shape, featuring a stocky body, long pectoral fins (up to one-third of their body length), a knobbly head, and a series of ventral pleats that expand when they feed.

5. Bowhead Whale (18 Meters)

The Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus) is a magnificent and distinctive species of baleen whale and one of the largest marine mammals in the world. It is known for its unique features and remarkable adaptations to its Arctic habitat.

The Bowhead Whale has a robust body, with adult males typically reaching lengths of 45 to 60 feet (14 to 18 meters) and weighing around 75 to 100 tons. Females are slightly larger than males, and both genders have massive, curving, and highly arched upper jaws that give them their name "bowhead."

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These upper jaws are covered with thick, strong, and heavily calcified baleen plates. The Bowhead Whale has the longest baleen plates of any whale, some of which can exceed 13 feet (4 meters) in length. Instead of teeth, the Bowhead Whale uses these baleen plates to filter-feed on small crustaceans, plankton, and other tiny organisms.

4. Right Whale (18 Meters)

The North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) and the North Pacific Right Whale (Eubalaena japonica) are two species of large baleen whales collectively known as "Right Whales." They are called "right" whales because whalers in the past considered them the "right" whales to hunt due to their slow swimming speed, thick blubber layer, and tendency to float when killed.

Unfortunately, these qualities made them easy targets, leading to severe population declines and both species being listed as endangered. Right Whales are among the larger baleen whales, with adults reaching lengths of about 45 to 55 feet (14 to 18 meters) and weighing up to 70 tons. 

They have a robust, stocky body with a distinctive large head that can comprise up to one-quarter of their total body length. Right Whales are predominantly black, with patches of white on their undersides.

3. Sperm Whale (20.5 Meters)

The Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is one of the largest and most iconic species of toothed whales. It is famous for its immense size, unique appearance, and historical significance in human culture and whaling history.

The Sperm Whale is the largest toothed whale species, with adult males reaching lengths of about 52 to 67 feet (16 to 20.5 meters) and weighing up to 45 to 60 tons. Females are typically smaller than males. Their head houses the largest brain of any animal, which is essential for their complex social behaviors and communication.

Sperm Whales possess a large organ in their head called the spermaceti organ, which contains a waxy substance called spermaceti. The purpose of this organ is not fully understood, but it is believed to play a role in buoyancy control and echolocation.

2. Fin Whale (22 Meters)

The Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is a magnificent and awe-inspiring marine mammal and one of the largest animals on Earth. Also known as the "finback whale" or "razorback whale," it belongs to the same genus as the blue whale, making it a member of the baleen whale family.

The Fin Whale is the second-largest whale species, following the blue whale. Adult Fin Whales typically reach lengths of 60 to 80 feet (18 to 24 meters) and weigh around 50 to 80 tons.

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They have sleek, streamlined bodies with distinctive V-shaped heads and a prominent ridge along the back, giving them the name "razorback." They are known for their striking asymmetrical coloration on the lower jaw, where the right side is white and the left side is dark.

1. Blue Whale (30 Meters)

The Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest animal to have ever existed on Earth, and it holds a place of wonder and fascination in the hearts of people worldwide. This magnificent marine mammal belongs to the baleen whale family, making it a close relative of the fin whale, humpback whale, and other large cetaceans.

The Blue Whale's size is truly astounding. Adult Blue Whales can reach lengths of 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30 meters) and weigh an astonishing 100 to 200 tons or more. Their enormous size is comparable to that of multiple school buses put together. 

Their bodies are sleek and streamlined, with a mottled blue-gray coloration on their backs and lighter undersides. The head of a Blue Whale is broad and U-shaped, and they have a series of throat grooves that allow their throats to expand when they feed.

Blue Whales are filter feeders, and their diet primarily consists of tiny shrimp-like organisms called krill.

Source:

• IDN Times

• Bisnis Style

Also read: Top 5 Largest Tuna Species In The World