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Project Noah Nature School
Balaenoptera physalus
The fin whale is the second largest animal in existence, behind its close relative the blue whale. The average size of these whales in the Southern Hemisphere is 20m, larger than their northern counterparts. They often travel in pairs, as these two did (you can see there are two different whales because one has a strange notch in its dorsal fin). Easily identified by their size, prominent dorsal fin, asymmetrical colouration and that they never show flukes, even when diving. The fin whale was once heavily hunted, and is sadly listed as Endangered by CITES.
Present in all the world's oceans. Apparently stays away from areas with pack ice, but we found this pair rather close to the ice edge.
These two came quite close to our ship, and gave us a wonderful view of them! They were absolutely enormous, before this the largest animal I'd seen was a humpback. It was quite humbling to be around such giants.
Spotted on Jan 15, 2013
Submitted on Feb 25, 2013
3 Comments
Awesome whale spottings Laura!
It was! Such a wonderful experience :)
Must of been great to see them!