blue whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Vulnerable ↑

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

90 years

Length

30.0 m

Weight

150.0 t

Population

15.0K

Trend

↑ Increasing

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About

地球上で生きたことが知られている最大の動物であるシロナガスクジラ（Balaenoptera musculus）は、体長33メートル、体重200トンに達することができ、心臓だけで小型自動車ほどの重さがあります。全ての海洋に生息し、極地の餌場と熱帯の繁殖地の間を回遊します。1日最大4トンのオキアミを摂取する濾過摂食者です。20世紀の捕鯨による絶滅危機からの回復後、世界的な個体数は10,000〜25,000頭と推定される絶滅危惧種です。

Fun Facts

✨ A blue whale's heart beats only 2 times per minute when diving.
✨ Their calls can be heard over 1,600 km away.
✨ A blue whale calf gains about 90 kg per day.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, and tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas, among 11 distinct biome types. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

🌊 Marine Oceanic

Widely distributed across Asia (Taiwan), Europe (4 countries), and South America (Colombia, Ecuador). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

🇹🇼 Taiwan 🇳🇴 Norway 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇨🇴 Colombia 🇪🇨 Ecuador

Diet & Behavior

🥩

Carnivore

blue whale is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore

Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

VU Vulnerable

Estimated Population

15.0K

Population Trend

↑ Increasing

Full Taxonomy

Cetacea (Whales & Dolphins)

Family

Balaenopteridae (Rorquals)

Genus

Balaenoptera (Rorquals)

Species

Balaenoptera musculus (blue whale)

Names in Other Languages

Chinese 藍鯨

Spanish Ballena azul

French baleine bleue

German Blauwal

Similar Species in Balaenoptera

🐋

イワシクジラ (Iwashi Kujira)

Balaenoptera borealis

Endangered

ナガスクジラ

Balaenoptera physalus

Endangered

ミンククジラ

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Least Concern

角島鯨 (Tsunoshima kijura)

Balaenoptera omurai

Data Deficient

Antarctic Minke Whale

Balaenoptera bonaerensis

View all species in Balaenoptera →

Explore More

Compare Species

vs イワシクジラ (Iwashi Kujira) vs ナガスクジラ vs ミンククジラ vs 角島鯨 (Tsunoshima kijura)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of blue whale?

The scientific name of blue whale is Balaenoptera musculus. It belongs to the genus Balaenoptera.

What is the conservation status of blue whale?

blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is increasing.

Where does blue whale live?

blue whale is found in Widely distributed across Asia (Taiwan), Europe (4 countries), and South America (Colombia, Ecuador). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Taiwan.

What family does blue whale belong to?

blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) belongs to the genus Balaenoptera, which is part of the taxonomic family Balaenopteridae.

What does blue whale eat?

blue whale is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does blue whale live?

blue whale has an average lifespan of approximately 90 years in the wild.

How many blue whale are left in the wild?

The estimated wild population of blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is approximately 15,000 individuals.

Is blue whale endangered?

Yes, blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.