Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
The fin whale is the second largest animal in the world (besides the blue whale) and belongs to the suborder of the baleen whales. It can cover a distance of 300 km per day, whereby it can reach a maximum speed of 37 km/h. Therefore an individual is able to cross the Strait of Gibraltar within 1h in order to reach the Mediterranean population, which is estimated between 3,000 and 7,500 animals.
Presence in the Strait of Gibraltar: few sightings
Other names: finback, finback whale, finner, common rorqual, razorback, herring whale
| Suborder: | baleen whales |
|---|---|
| Family: | Balaenopteridae (rorquals) |
| Size: | 18 - 22 m |
| Weight: | 30 - 80 t |
| Diet: | krill, fish, cephalopodes |
| Status: | critically endangered |
Features:
- dark grey or brown back
- white underside of body, flippers and flukes
- lighter chevron behind head
- small falcate dorsal fin in the rear third of the body
- tall blow