MINKE WHALE
Balaenoptera Acutorostrata
Order
Mysticeti
Family
Balaenopteridae
The Minke whales, also known as small rorquals, live up to about 30 - 60 years, measure between 7 - 9.8 meters, and weigh between 5 and 10 tons. Their diet consists of krill, small fish, and cephalopods, which they find on the shallow grounds.
Minke whales live in temperate, tropical, and polar waters of both hemispheres. They are commonly found between the Lesser Antilles and the eastern Gulf of Mexico. They are migratory and move from warm waters in winter to colder waters to feed. They are particularly present in coastal waters and estuaries.
Females would reach sexual maturity around 7 years old. The gestation period lasts about 10 to 11 months, and the female gives birth to a single calf every 2 years, generally between November and March.
- Source : AGOA
Head
Triangular and pointed, emerging during respiratory sequences, central crest.
Fin
Two-thirds of the body, quite curved.
Blow
Nearly invisible
Swimming sequence
Dives without ever showing its tail fin.
Coloration
Gray-black on the back, possibly leaning towards brown, black/white demarcation on the sides, marked white patch on each pectoral.
