Watercolor illustration of blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus)

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

지구에서 살았던 것으로 알려진 가장 큰 동물로, 대왕고래(Balaenoptera musculus)는 33미터, 200톤에 달할 수 있으며, 심장만도 소형 자동차 무게와 비슷합니다. 모든 대양에 서식하며, 극지방 먹이 지역과 열대 번식 지역 사이를 이동합니다. 하루 최대 4톤의 크릴새우를 섭취하는 여과 섭식자입니다. 20세기 포경으로 인한 거의 멸종 이후 전 세계 개체수가 10,000~25,000마리로 추정되는 멸종위기 종입니다.

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.

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.

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

Names in Other Languages

Chinese 藍鯨
Spanish Ballena azul
French baleine bleue
German Blauwal

Similar Species in Balaenoptera

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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.

Native Range — 7 Countries

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