Fin Whale
What is it:
The fin whale is the second largest of the baleen whales, reaching a length of between 17.5 and 20.5 m. In common with most other members of the family Balaenopteridae, it has a V-shaped head with a single central ridge and its dorsal fin is situated two-thirds along the back. Compared with the sei whale, with which it is often confused, the fin is small and points backwards.
When it surfaces, the 4-6 m high blow is generally followed by a long shallow roll rather than the blow and dorsal fin showing simultaneously as in the sei whale. A diagnostic feature is the asymmetric patch of white extending on the right side over the lower lip, mouth cavity and front baleen plates.
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