Minke Whale

The smallest member of the rorqual family, the gorgeous minke whale is one of the species most severely affected by the whaling industry.

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS 

The common minke whale is the smallest of all baleen whales, reaching around 8 to 9 metres long. Their sleek, dark bodies parade black, dark brown and grey tones with a lighter belly that flashes through the water. Long, pointed snouts and straight mouths create an endearing frown, whilst atop their flat, ridged heads they have not one but two blowholes. Setting them apart from their southern cousins, one of the most fascinating traits of minke whales in the northern hemisphere are the white ‘armbands’ around their flippers.