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Project Noah Nature School
Balaenopetra physalus
Long, sleek body, 60-70'. Weight of up to 50 tons. Dark gray; asymmetrical jaw that is dark gray on the right the same as the rest of the body but is white on the right. White coloration extends into the mouth and baleen plates. Dorsal fin, which gives the whale its name, is triangular and sits about 2/3 of the way back on the body. Streamlined body allows the whale to travel at speeds of up to 25 knots per hour. Pectoral flippers are short; tail is small.
Ocean. Seen in the Gulf of Maine, Jeffrey's Ledge which is the northern part of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
The Fin Whale is known as the Greyhound of the Sea because of its ability to move so quickly through the water. The asymmetrical colorationof the jaw is believes to be an adaptation that allows for the startling of fish schools. The startled fish gather into denser groups within the school which then allows more fish to be taken by the whale in each mouthful. The Fin Whale's blow, or spout is a tall vertical spout that can reach up to 20' in the air. If you see a Fin Whale, look fast! When you see the dorsal fin, the whale is already 2/3 past you.
Spotted on Jun 16, 2011
Submitted on Sep 9, 2012
5 Comments
It can definitely swim much more freely now, Argy Bee :) I had run into the map not posting what I had entered a couple of times and had changed it as I posted. I'll be more aware of it and make sure my beloved whales don't try to swim across the Connecticut/Massachusetts border any more but say in Stellwagen Bank :)
:) Ah now it can swim freely :)
Ooops, Argy Bee! I see where the problem is!
Hi, Argy Bee....you're going to have to help me out with this and the Gray Humpback. The only location I can identify is the Stellwagen Bank area in the Gulf of Maine. I'm not sure what else to use..... ?
Hi Elaine... might be a good idea to adjust the location of this spotting. :)