Fin Whale

After the blue whale, this cetacean giant is the second-largest species on Earth. The fin whale -- also called ‘finback whale’ and ‘common rorqual’ -- is also the fastest baleen whale.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS 

Sleek and streamlined in body shape, the fin whale has a tall, distinctive dorsal fin location approximately two-thirds along the back of its body. Most fin whales are black or brown-ish in colour, and have a white underbelly. Much like a fingerprint, light grey chevron-shaped markings help to differentiate one fin whale from another.