
Baleen Whale
Explore the ocean's gentle giants with fascinating feeding styles!

The Basics
Scientific Name
Mysticeti
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Location
Oceans worldwide
Average size
30 to 100 feet long
diet
Krill, plankton
lifespan
50 to 70 years
Let’s Explore
Overview
Baleen whales, part of the Mysticeti group, swim gracefully in our oceans. These magnificent mammals can grow between 9 to 30 meters (30 to 100 feet) long, making them some of the largest animals on our planet.
Baleen whales don't have teeth like many other animals. Instead, they have baleen plates made of keratin, the same stuff that makes up your hair and nails, to filter tiny food like krill and plankton from the water.
These gentle giants can live between 50 to 70 years, which gives them plenty of time to explore the deep blue sea. Just imagine all the different adventures they have in their ocean home!
Baleen whales can consume up to 4 tons (about 3,600 kilograms) of food each day during feeding season. That’s like eating the weight of a small car every day!
Though they may look slow, baleen whales can swim surprisingly fast. They can reach speeds of about 24 kilometers per hour (15 miles per hour) when they’re feeling energetic.
Curious creatures, baleen whales often live in groups called pods. These pods help them communicate and find food, just like friends working together in a team to tackle challenges.
Where can you find a Baleen Whale in the wild?
What does a Baleen Whale eat?
How big can a Baleen Whale grow?
How long does a Baleen Whale typically live?
What is the conservation status of the Baleen Whale?
What are the main threats to the Baleen Whale?
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