FINBACK WHALE

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© Larry Foster, Earth Views

Balaenoptera physalus

Federal Status: Endangered (June 2, 1970)
State Status: Endangered (December 20, 1989)

Description: This species is second only to the blue whale in size and weight. Dark gray or brownish back; underside light to tail; sides unmarked. The color pattern of the head is similar to that of the body but rotated about 90 degrees to the left; right lower jaw, anterior right baleen plates, and right side of tongue white, distinguishing this whale from all other whales. Dark line from eye to middle of back, and a light line from the eye to flipper and from flipper onto side sometimes present. One ridge on top of head from blowholes to tip of snout. Ventral grooves extend to midpoint of body. Dorsal fin about 60 cm (23.6 in) tall, angled steeply backward, located posterior to the midpoint of the body. Adults may reach 24 m (78.7 ft) in total length; females slightly larger than males. Most similar in appearance to the blue whale, but can be distinguished from that species on the basis of head and baleen color and dorsal fin size. Normally travels in small groups of 6-15 individuals but congregations of 100 or more reported at favorite foraging areas. Generally inhabits waters between shore and the 1000-fathom curve. Matures at 6-7 years of age. Mates and calves November-March; females produce one calf every 2-3 years. Feeds on pelagic crustaceans and fish.

Habitat: Marine deepwater.

Distribution: Found in all oceans and seas, including polar waters, during the summer. Present in the Gulf of Mexico throughout the year, which may indicate a somewhat isolated population. There are 4 stranding records from Louisiana, all from the southeast coast.

Reasons for decline: Overharvest.

March 2004

Conservation efforts:

1. Monitoring of world's population;
2. Determining degree of intermingling of various populations.