Minke Whale
Scientific name: Balaenoptera acutorostrata (Common/Northern minke); Balaenoptera bonaerensis (Antarctic/Southern minke)
Appearance & Identification:
Sleek, dark grey to black above and paler below, with a pointed snout and a small, falcate dorsal fin set far back. Common minkes often show a distinctive white band on each pectoral fin; Antarctics lack this band.
Size & Lifespan:
Typically 7–10 m (some larger) and several tons in mass; lifespans commonly 30–50+ years.
Habitat & Range:
Found in all major oceans. Common minke whales are widespread in the Northern Hemisphere; Antarctic minke whales dominate southern polar and sub-polar waters. Many populations migrate seasonally between colder feeding grounds and warmer waters.
Feeding & Behaviour:
Baleen whales that lunge-feed on small schooling fish (e.g., herring, sardines) and krill. Usually solitary or in small, loose groups; fast swimmers with short surface intervals and occasional acrobatics.
Conservation Status:
The Common minke is generally listed as Least Concern; Antarctic minke as Near Threatened in some assessments. Ongoing concerns include entanglement, ship strikes, and noise disturbance.
Image: Wikimedia Commons (click through for license and credits).