Presented here is a compilation of the ten largest whale species, arranged in approximate order of mass, ranging from the lightest to the heaviest. Prepare to delve into intriguing details about these magnificent creatures, the colossal giants of our planet!
Please note that unless specified otherwise, the weights provided throughout this document are in short (US) tons. To offer some conversion clarity, a short ton equals 2,000 pounds, approximately 0.907 metric tonne, or 0.893 long ton.
The Largest Whale Species
Beholding the title of the largest whale species is none other than the awe-inspiring blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). This remarkable creature not only holds the distinction of being the largest living whale but also the largest species ever to have graced our Earth. The longest recorded blue whale measured a staggering 30 meters (98 ft) from nose to tail, while the heaviest recorded specimen tipped the scales at a whopping 219 tons (199 metric tonnes / 196 long tons).
Even the least massive whale on this list, the Bryde’s whale, surpasses an African bush elephant in weight by approximately two and a half times. Quite a fascinating fact about the largest land animal juxtaposed against the smallest entry among these mighty marine mammals!
Unveiling the Whales
Whales, those majestic beings of the sea, belong to the esteemed group of marine mammals known as cetaceans. Like all mammals, whales possess the ability to breathe air and nurse their young with milk. Within the cetacean realm, two main divisions exist: baleen whales (parvorder Mysticeti) and toothed whales (parvorder Odontoceti).
Baleen whales, distinguished by their lack of teeth, employ baleen plates resembling comb-like structures within their mouths to filter nourishment from the seawater. Their diet comprises tiny crustaceans like krill and small fish. Toothed whales, on the other hand, possess teeth and utilize echolocation to locate their prey.
In bygone eras, whales endured the perils of relentless hunting for their prized oil, meat, bones, and blubber, all highly coveted commodities. Consequently, the whaling industry precipitated the near-extinction of the whale populations enumerated below. Although some species have made slow recoveries, they remain protected today, with stringent regulations limiting hunting to exceptional circumstances. Nonetheless, these remarkable creatures continue to face threats such as ship collisions and entanglement in fishing gear.
The List of Ten Mighty Whale Species
1. Bryde’s Whale
- Scientific name: Balaenoptera brydei
- Family: Balaenoptera
- Conservation status: Least Concern
- Maximum weight: 28 tons
- Maximum length: 46 ft (14 m)
- Habitat: Found worldwide in tropical, sub-tropical, and warm temperate waters spanning from 40° south to 40° north.
Bryde’s whales possess slender, pointed flippers and a curved dorsal fin that extends roughly two-thirds along their backs. Due to their relatively smaller size, Bryde’s whales were not the primary target of whalers until the 1970s, by which time larger whale species had already faced severe depletion.
These whales belong to a baleen whale subgroup called rorqual whales, known for their expandable mouths and throat pouches, allowing them to engulf vast quantities of seawater for efficient prey filtration. Identifying features of rorqual whales include deep skin folds extending from their mouths to their stomachs.
Bryde’s whales primarily feed on fish like sardines, anchovies, herrings, and crustaceans such as krill and shrimps. Like all baleen whales, Bryde’s whales possess two blowholes through which they breathe, characteristic of their baleen whale counterparts.
2. Sei Whale
- Scientific name: Balaenoptera borealis
- Family: Balaenopteridae
- Conservation status: Endangered
- Maximum weight: 31 tons
- Maximum length: 64 ft (19.5 m)
- Habitat: Found in most oceans, excluding polar and tropical waters, inhabiting open ocean areas.
The sei whale exhibits a uniform dark gray color with light gray and white patches on its underbelly. It stands as the third-longest baleen whale species, following the blue whale and fin whale. Sei whales sustain themselves by consuming small crustaceans and other planktonic creatures, devouring an average of 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of food daily.
Distinguishing a sei whale from its relative, the Bryde’s whale, can be challenging. However, one reliable identifying feature lies in its 300–380 pairs of ashy-black baleen plates.
Commercially hunted for its meat and oil, the sei whale witnessed a drastic decline, with the current global population estimated at a mere one-third of its pre-whaling numbers. Consequently, the species remains endangered.
Dubbed the “cheetah” of the open ocean, the swift-swimming sei whale can reach speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h) over short distances.
3. Humpback Whale
- Scientific name: Megaptera novaeangliae
- Family: Balaenopteridae
- Conservation status: Least Concern
- Maximum weight: 44 tons
- Maximum length: 49 ft (15 m)
- Habitat: Found in oceans and seas worldwide, ranging from the Arctic ice edge to the Antarctic ice edge.
Recognized for its distinctive melodic songs, the humpback whale stands as one of the most recognizable whale species. This species, with its long, fin-shaped flippers and unique body shape, often engages in surface behaviors such as breaching, spy-hopping, tail-slapping, and fin-slapping, captivating observers.
The humpback whale derives its genus name, Megaptera, from its prominent pectoral (side) fins that can extend up to 6 meters in length.
Male humpbacks are renowned for their lengthy, intricate, and resoundingly loud songs. These musical performances can last up to 20 minutes and are sometimes repeated for up to 24 hours.
While lacking vocal cords and the need to exhale for sound production, humpbacks are known to generate their songs using a larynx-like structure within their throats. However, the exact mechanism behind this remains partially understood.
As baleen whales, humpbacks filter small prey such as krill and fish from the surrounding seawater. They are known to employ the “bubble net” hunting technique, encircling shoals of fish by releasing bubbles and effectively corralling their prey into easily swallowable groups.
Humpback whales faced near-extinction due to whaling activities, with their population reduced to a mere fraction of its original size. However, since gaining protection in 1966, their numbers have rebounded to an estimated 80,000 individuals.
While humpbacks encounter various threats, including ship collisions, entanglement in fishing nets, and noise pollution disrupting their communication, their conservation status has improved to “Least Concern.”
4. Gray Whale
- Scientific name: Eschrichtius robustus
- Family: Eschrichtiidae
- Conservation status: Least Concern
- Maximum weight: 45 tons
- Maximum length: 49 ft (15 m)
- Habitat: North Pacific Ocean, along the west coast of North America and the east coast of Asia.
The gray whale, a baleen whale species, primarily feeds in the coastal waters of the northern Pacific Ocean. These whales undertake annual migrations, traveling between their feeding grounds in the north and warmer waters in the south, where females give birth to their calves.
Feeding primarily on plankton and small fish in the open ocean, gray whales also display a unique feeding behavior in shallow coastal waters. They dive down to the ocean floor, roll on their sides, and suck up water and sediment. The water is then expelled through their cream-colored baleen plates, capturing prey that they swallow. This feeding technique leaves distinctive trails of sediment and indentations in the sea bed.
Gray whales possess slate-gray skin adorned with numerous white blotches caused by parasites that attach themselves to their bodies. Unlike many other whale species, the gray whale lacks a dorsal fin.
Females give birth to a single calf every two years, with the newborn weighing approximately 1 ton at birth. Gray whales have an estimated lifespan of up to 70 years.
The gray whale migration is the longest of any mammal, covering a distance of 12,000 miles (19,000 kilometers). They journey from their summer feeding grounds off Alaska to the warmer waters of Baja California. Their migration route holds the record for the longest migration undertaken by any mammal.
5. Sperm Whale
- Scientific name: Physeter macrocephalus
- Family: Physeteridae
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
- Maximum weight: 88 tons
- Maximum length: 68 ft (20 m)
- Habitat: Open oceans worldwide, favoring ice-free waters with depths of at least 3,300 feet (1,000 meters).
The sperm whale, the largest toothed whale species, belongs to the parvorder Odontoceti, encompassing other remarkable marine mammals like orcas, beaked whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Sperm whales possess between 18 and 26 conical teeth on each side of their elongated, narrow lower jaw, while their upper jaw is toothless.
With a maximum length of 68 feet (20 meters), the sperm whale stands as the largest toothed whale species.
Sperm whales are renowned for their remarkable diving abilities, descending to astounding depths of up to 7,382 feet (2,250 meters) during hunting expeditions. Their diet comprises formidable prey such as giant squids, colossal squids, octopuses, and rays. A single sperm whale’s stomach has been found to contain up to 18,000 squid beaks.
To aid the passage of sharp squid beaks through their intestines without causing harm, sperm whales produce a waxy substance called ambergris. This aromatic material holds traditional value as an ingredient in perfumes.
Echolocation serves as a crucial tool for sperm whales, enabling them to locate their prey. Complex spermaceti organs atop their skulls produce a waxy liquid that facilitates the production of loud clicking sounds used in echolocation.
Sperm whales have been historically targeted for their spermaceti liquid and blubber, both utilized in the production of various products such as cosmetics, soap, candles, lamp oil, and lubricating oil. The relentless pursuit by whalers led to the deaths of over 1 million sperm whales.
Today, the global population of sperm whales is estimated to be around 300,000 individuals, qualifying them as a vulnerable species.
Fun fact: The sperm whale possesses the largest brain, averaging 17 pounds (7.8 kilograms), as well as the longest digestive system, measuring approximately 980 feet (300 meters). Additionally, it holds the record for producing the loudest sound among all animals.
6. Southern Right Whale
- Scientific name: Eubalaena australis
- Family: Balaenidae
- Conservation status: Least Concern
- Maximum weight: 99 tons
- Maximum length: 60 ft (18 m)
- Habitat: Southern hemisphere oceans near continents and islands, avoiding warm tropical waters.
The southern right whale represents one of the three right whale species, all of which bear striking similarities (they were once considered a single species). Sporting a uniform dark coloration and distinguished by white callosities, hardened patches of skin, on its head, the southern right whale’s unique callosity patterns serve as identification markers for scientists studying them.
Like all right whales, the southern right whale lacks a dorsal fin and possesses broad, relatively short pectoral (side) flippers. Notably, right whales exhibit a distinctive arched mouth that starts above the eye.
An interesting tidbit: Right whales earned their name from whalers due to their slow movement, abundant blubber, and ability to float once deceased, making them the “right” whales to capture.
Similar to many whale species, southern right whales feed in cold Antarctic waters during the summer, embarking on southward migrations in the winter for breeding purposes. As baleen whales, they employ comb-like baleen plates within their mouths to filter food from the water.
Southern right whales engage in a variety of surface behaviors, including breaching, spy-hopping, and tail-sailing. Their gentle disposition, innate curiosity, and captivating surface displays make them a favorite among whale-watching enthusiasts.
Driven almost to the brink of extinction during the early 20th century, the southern right whale population has shown signs of recovery. Currently, an estimated 10,000 individuals exist, steadily increasing in number.
7. Bowhead Whale
- Scientific name: Balaena mysticetus
- Family: Balaenidae
- Conservation status: Least Concern
- Maximum weight: 100 tons
- Maximum length: 59 ft (18 m)
- Habitat: Arctic and subarctic waters
The bowhead whale possesses a robust, rounded body and, apart from a white patch on its chin, exhibits a uniform dark gray to black coloration. Its massive head, accounting for one-third of its body length, enables it to break through Arctic ice.
Notably, the bowhead whale lacks a dorsal fin, which may be an adaptation for its sub-ice existence and swimming just below the surface.
As a baleen whale, the bowhead possesses the largest mouth of any animal, accommodating the longest baleen plates among all whale species, measuring 9.8 feet (3 meters).
Bowhead whales boast exceptionally thick blubber, measuring up to 20 inches (50 centimeters), providing insulation against the frigid Arctic temperatures. However, this efficient insulator can cause overheating after vigorous activity, compelling the whales to cool off by taking in cold seawater.
Due to their blubber content, bowhead whales became prime targets for whalers. Their meat, bones, oil, and baleen were highly sought after commodities. By the early 1900s, the global population of bowhead whales had dwindled to around 3,000 individuals.
Presently, bowhead whales enjoy protection, resulting in population recovery. Indigenous communities of North America continue to sustainably hunt a small number of bowhead whales annually for their meat and blubber.
An intriguing fact: Bowhead whales are believed to be the longest-lived animal species on Earth. In 2007, a bowhead whale was caught off Alaska with a harpoon head embedded in its body, manufactured between 1879 and 1885. This astonishing discovery indicated that the whale lived for over 125 years.
8. North Atlantic Right Whale
- Scientific name: Eubalaena glacialis
- Family: Balaenidae
- Conservation status: Critically Endangered
- Maximum weight: 100 tons
- Maximum length: 61 ft (18.5 m)
- Habitat: North Atlantic Ocean
The North Atlantic right whale and its counterpart, the North Pacific right whale, are two closely related whale species. Both surpass their southern relative, the Southern right whale, in size, with the North Pacific right whale estimated to be slightly larger on average.
Right whales belong to the group of baleen whales and feed by filtering small crustaceans and plankton from the water. Each individual right whale possesses a unique pattern of white callosities, or thickened skin growths, on its head. These callosities harbor whale lice, which depend on the whale’s skin for sustenance.
Due to their abundant blubber content, right whales were once extensively hunted. By 1935, only an estimated 100 North Atlantic right whales remained. Today, the entire global population of North Atlantic right whales comprises approximately 350 individuals, with around 100 breeding females. The North Pacific right whale faces a similarly critical situation, with a population potentially even smaller than its North Atlantic counterpart.
Scientists express concern over the potential extinction of both species. Although no longer subject to hunting, these whales encounter threats such as ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
9. Fin Whale
- Scientific name: Balaenoptera physalus
- Family: Balaenopteridae
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
- Maximum weight: 72 tons
- Maximum length: 90 ft (27.5 m)
- Habitat: Open waters of all oceans, spanning temperate to polar latitudes.
The fin whale, also referred to as the “greyhound of the sea,” secures its position as the second largest whale species. Its long, slender body and streamlined shape make it an agile swimmer. Only the blue whale surpasses the fin whale in size.
Distinguished by a prominent dorsal fin, from which it derives its name, the fin whale’s lower jaw showcases an unusual asymmetrical coloration. The right side is white, while the left side is black. The lighter hue on the right side may aid in herding prey fish.
Like many other whale species, fin whales migrate from sub-polar feeding grounds during the summer to warmer waters in the winter. They reach sexual maturity around the age of 25 and have a potential lifespan of approximately 90 years.
Fin whales endured extensive commercial hunting during the 20th century, resulting in a population decline. By 1997, their numbers had diminished to an alarming 38,000 individuals. However, protective measures and conservation efforts have led to a population rebound, with an estimated 100,000 fin whales currently residing in the world’s oceans.
10. Blue Whale
- Scientific name: Balaenoptera musculus
- Family: Balaenopteridae
- Conservation status: Endangered
- Maximum weight: 199 metric tonnes
- Maximum length: 98 ft (30 m)
- Habitat: Oceans worldwide, with some individuals migrating to the Southern Ocean for feeding and returning northwards for breeding, while others remain resident.
The blue whale, the largest animal ever to grace our planet, reigns as the epitome of colossal magnificence. These gentle giants roam the oceans, either solitarily or in small groups, and sustain themselves by feeding on krill and other small organisms in the planktonic realm.
As rorqual whales, blue whales possess distinct grooves of folded skin extending from their mouths to their stomachs. These grooves allow their mouths to expand during feeding episodes, enabling them to engulf up to 200 tons of water in a single mouthful.
The blue whale’s incredible size and power make it a true marvel of nature. With a length of up to 98 feet (30 meters) and a weight of 199 metric tonnes, these magnificent creatures hold the title for the largest animals to have ever graced Earth’s oceans.
Their migration patterns vary, with some individuals venturing to the Southern Ocean during the austral summer to feast on krill before returning northwards for breeding. Others remain resident in specific regions.
The blue whale’s vastness is matched by its gentle nature. Despite their colossal size, they navigate the ocean with grace and tranquility. Observing a blue whale gracefully gliding through the water is a sight that leaves an indelible impression on all who are fortunate enough to witness it.
Tragically, like many other whale species, the blue whale faced relentless hunting and exploitation in the past. The demand for their meat, oil, and other products brought their population to the brink of extinction. Since the ban on whale hunting in 1966, their numbers have slowly begun to recover. However, the blue whale remains endangered, and conservation efforts are crucial to ensure their survival.
Despite the challenges they face, the awe-inspiring presence of these magnificent creatures continues to captivate and inspire awe in people around the world. The protection and preservation of the blue whale and other whale species serve as a testament to our responsibility as stewards of the Earth’s precious marine ecosystems.