Baleen Whales | Mysticeti

Baleen whales are also called whalebones whales or Mysticeti or toothless whales. They are part of the Cetacea infraorder and possess an extraordinary modification of the mouth (also called baleen) used for filtering food from the water. They are the largest and heaviest carnivorous marine vertebrates that exist today and particularly live in chilly waters of the north and south poles. Baleen whales have small eyes situated close to the end of their mouth for seeing and sensing. Unlike toothed whales that have one blowhole, baleen whales have two blowholes and are regularly hunted for their blubber and oil.

How many blowholes does a Baleen Whale have?

The Baleen Whale has 2 blowholes that serve as its nostrils and are situated at the top of its head. The blows of the Baleen Whale are considered to be bushier than those created by toothed whales who typically only have a single blowhole. Baleen Whales can also expand their throat to gulp large amounts of seawater.

What does a Baleen Whale eat?

The Baleen Whale typically eats krill, fish, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and algae. The Baleen Whale feeds by filtering or straining food from the water they consume. The Baleen Whale has baleen plates which they use to push water out while trapping their food inside for them to swallow.

How did Baleen Whales evolve?

It is believed that Baleen Whales evolved from a common ancestor who lived more than 23 to 25 million years ago. Unfortunately, the common ancestor has not been discovered, but probably lived within the Oligocene period. It is also believed that the earliest ancestor of the toothed whale lived during this time.

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Baleen Whales Guides
Browse through our curated Baleen Whales Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Baleen Whales. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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13’-16’ | 3.96-4.88 m
25.3’-31.8’ | 7.7-9.7 m
82’-105’ | 25-32 m
55-165 tons | 50-150 metric tons
80-90 years
Blue Whale
488.000
970.000
3200.000
150000.000
90.00
182000
GUIDE
3D
Blue Whale
8.9’-12.1’ | 2.7-3.7 m
14.1’-19.4’ | 4.3-5.9 m
45’-60’ | 13.7-18.3 m
75-100 tons | 68-91 metric tons
150-200 years
Bowhead Whale
370.000
590.000
1830.000
90718.000
200.00
66900
GUIDE
3D
Bowhead Whale
6.6’-7.9’ | 2-2.4 m
10.5’-13.1’ | 3.2-4 m
45’-55’ | 13.7-16.8 m
17-25 tons | 15-23 metric tons
50-70 years
Bryde’s Whale
240.000
400.000
1680.000
22679.000
70.00
1100
GUIDE
3D
Bryde’s Whale
4.3’-5.9’ | 1.3-1.8 m
6.6’-9.2’ | 2-2.8 m
26’-35’ | 7.9-10.7 m
6-10 tons | 5-9 metric tons
40-50 years
Common Minke Whale
180.000
280.000
1070.000
9072.000
50.00
2900
GUIDE
3D
Common Minke Whale
9.5’-11.5’ | 2.9-3.5 m
15.4’-18.4’ | 4.7-5.6 m
75’-90’ | 22.9-27.4 m
74-114 tons | 67-103 metric tons
80-100 years
Fin Whale
350.000
560.000
2740.000
103419.000
100.00
35800
GUIDE
3D
Fin Whale
6.9’-8.5’ | 2.1-2.6 m
10.2’-11.5’ | 3.1-3.5 m
40’-50’ | 12.2-15.2 m
30-41 tons | 27-37 metric tons
55-80 years
Gray Whale
260.000
350.000
1520.000
37195.000
80.00
22300
GUIDE
3D
Gray Whale
8’-9’8” | 2.44-2.97 m
12.1’-14.8’ | 3.7-4.5 m
43’-52’ | 13-16 m
27.5-33 tons | 25-30 metric tons
45-100 years
Humpback Whale
297.000
450.000
1600.000
30000.000
100.00
63200
GUIDE
3D
Humpback Whale
9.2’-11.1’ | 2.8-3.4 m
14.8’-18’ | 4.5-5.5 m
43’-52’ | 13.1-15.8 m
44-75 tons | 40-68 metric tons
50-70 years
North Atlantic Right Whale
340.000
550.000
1580.000
68039.000
70.00
11000
GUIDE
3D
North Atlantic Right Whale
11.5’-15.1’ | 3.5-4.6 m
17.1’-23’ | 5.2-7 m
49’-65’ | 14.9-19.8 m
80-100 tons | 73-91 metric tons
50-70 years
North Pacific Right Whale
460.000
700.000
1980.000
90718.000
70.00
3500
GUIDE
3D
North Pacific Right Whale
2.7’-3.6’ | .83-1.09 m
4.3’-5.6’ | 1.3-1.7 m
16’-21’ | 4.9-6.4 m
3-4 tons | 2.7-3.6 metric tons
20-40 years
Pygmy Right Whale
109.000
170.000
640.000
3629.000
40.00
1300
GUIDE
3D
Pygmy Right Whale
5.9’-8.9’ | 1.8-2.7 m
11.2’-16.1’ | 3.4-4.9 m
45’-65’ | 13.7-19.8 m
18-30 tons | 16-27 metric tons
50-75 years
Sei Whale
270.000
490.000
1980.000
27215.000
75.00
14700
GUIDE
3D
Sei Whale
10.5’-12.8’ | 3.2-3.9 m
17.4’-21.7’ | 5.3-6.6 m
50’-60’ | 15.2-18.3 m
47-90 tons | 43-82 metric tons
60-80 years
Southern Right Whale
390.000
660.000
1830.000
81647.000
80.00
10150
GUIDE
3D
Southern Right Whale
Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Gray Whale compared to other sea cows and a person

Gray whales are rather enormous baleen whales belonging to the family Eschrichtiidae. They are sometimes called grey whales, California gray whales, Pacific gray whales, or gray-black whales. Grey whales inhabit the waters of eastern and western North Pacific and are known for the longest mammal migration yearly between feeding and breeding grounds. Besides, they are usually aggressive and prefer shallow waters of the continental shelves. These marine mammals spot gray patches with the skin having white molting. Other characteristics of the gray whale include lack of a dorsal fin and very short baleen with females being larger than males.

Gray Whales have a total length between 40’-50’ (12.2-15.2 m), body height of 6.9’-8.5’ (2.1-2.6 m), and width of 10.2’-11.5’ (3.1-3.5 m). The typical weight of the Gray Whale is in the range of 30-41 tons (27-37 metric tons). Gray Whale have lifespans between 55-80 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Gray Whale viewed from the front and side
Gray whales are rather enormous baleen whales belonging to the family Eschrichtiidae. They are sometimes called grey whales, California gray whales, Pacific gray whales, or gray-black whales. Grey whales inhabit the waters of eastern and western North Pacific and are known for the longest migration.

Gray Whales have a total length between 40’-50’ (12.2-15.2 m), body height of 6.9’-8.5’ (2.1-2.6 m), and width of 10.2’-11.5’ (3.1-3.5 m). The typical weight of the Gray Whale is in the range of 30-41 tons (27-37 metric tons). Gray Whale have lifespans between 55-80 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Gray Whale viewed from the front and side
Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Height:
6.9’-8.5’ | 2.1-2.6 m
Width:
10.2’-11.5’ | 3.1-3.5 m
Length:
40’-50’ | 12.2-15.2 m
Depth:
Weight:
30-41 tons | 27-37 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Eschrichtius robustus
Lifespan
55-80 years

Drawings include:

Gray Whale side elevation, front, top

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Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
Size comparison drawing of a Blue Whale compared to a person with measurements for overall length

Blue Whales are the largest known animal in the world; growing up to 98' (30 m) and weighing up to 173 tons (157,000 kgs). They can be found living in the North Atlantic, North Pacific and parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Just like their name, Blue Whales have a long-tapered body and have a bluish-grey dorsal. Blue whales don’t have teeth, but instead have large baleen which help separate sea water from krill after they swallow. After separation, the water is is filtered back out of their mouths through the baleen, while air from their lungs is expelled through their blow hole.

The typical Blue Whale has an overall height of 13’-16’ (3.96-4.88 m) and body length of 82’-105’ (25-32 m). An average Blue Whale weighs between 55-165 tons (50-150 metric tons) and has a typical lifespan of 80-90 years.

Illustrations of Blue Whales seen in various positions from the top, front and breaching
Blue Whales are the largest known animal in the world; growing up to 98 feet (30 meters) and weighing up to 173 tons (157,000 kgs). Just like their name, Blue Whales have a long-tapered body and have a bluish-grey dorsal. Blue whales don’t have teeth, but instead have large baleen systems.

The typical Blue Whale has an overall height of 13’-16’ (3.96-4.88 m) and body length of 82’-105’ (25-32 m). An average Blue Whale weighs between 55-165 tons (50-150 metric tons) and has a typical lifespan of 80-90 years.

Illustrations of Blue Whales seen in various positions from the top, front and breaching
Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
Height:
13’-16’ | 3.96-4.88 m
Width:
25.3’-31.8’ | 7.7-9.7 m
Length:
82’-105’ | 25-32 m
Depth:
Weight:
55-165 tons | 50-150 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Balaenoptera musculus
Lifespan
80-90 years

Drawings include:
Blue Whale side elevation, front, top, breaching

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North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)
Scale illustration of an average North Atlantic Right Whale with dimensions length compared to a human and sea cows

The North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered species in the family Balaenidae. They are slow surface-skimmers, docile, and prefer coastal waters. They live in areas of the western north Atlantic ocean beside being also called black right whale or northern whale. These mammals lack a dorsal fin, have pectoral flippers that are short and paddle-like and long arching mouths above the eyes with stocky black bodies and white blotches on their undersides. The North Atlantic right whale makes a distinctive V-shaped blow and can be identified by the shape, position, and size of their callosities, which are unique to each whale.

North Atlantic Right Whales have a total length between 43’-52’ (13.1-15.8 m), body height of 9.2’-11.1’ (2.8-3.4 m), and width of 14.8’-18’ (4.5-5.5 m). The typical weight of the North Atlantic Right Whale is in the range of 44-75 tons (40-68 metric tons). North Atlantic Right Whale have lifespans between 50-70 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the North Atlantic Right Whale seen from the side and front
The North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered species in the family Balaenidae. They are slow surface-skimmers, docile, and prefer coastal waters. They live in areas of the western north Atlantic ocean beside being also called black right whale or northern whale.

North Atlantic Right Whales have a total length between 43’-52’ (13.1-15.8 m), body height of 9.2’-11.1’ (2.8-3.4 m), and width of 14.8’-18’ (4.5-5.5 m). The typical weight of the North Atlantic Right Whale is in the range of 44-75 tons (40-68 metric tons). North Atlantic Right Whale have lifespans between 50-70 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the North Atlantic Right Whale seen from the side and front
North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)
Height:
9.2’-11.1’ | 2.8-3.4 m
Width:
14.8’-18’ | 4.5-5.5 m
Length:
43’-52’ | 13.1-15.8 m
Depth:
Weight:
44-75 tons | 40-68 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Eubalaena glacialis
Lifespan
50-70 years

Drawings include:

North Atlantic Right Whale side elevation, front, top

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Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera brydei)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Bryde’s Whale compared to other sea cows and a person

Bryde’s whales are classified under the family Balaenopteridae and take their name from the Norwegian consul John Bryde. Bryde’s whales love the pleasant equatorial and temperate ocean waters. Some species migrate and others do not with females being larger than males. Bryde’s whales are identified by sleek bodies, slender and pointed flippers with the front of the blowhole having three prominent ridges. Bryde’s whales are slow swimmers, prefer to swim in groups or alone, and are common to vessel strikes. These whales have two blowholes and they also have a dorsal fin and can occasionally generate vocalization similar to human moans.

Bryde’s Whales have a total length between 45’-55’ (13.7-16.8 m), body height of 6.6’-7.9’ (2-2.4 m), and width of 10.5’-13.1’ (3.2-4 m). The typical weight of the Bryde’s Whale is in the range of 17-25 tons (15-23 metric tons). Bryde’s Whale have lifespans between 50-70 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Bryde’s Whale viewed from the front and side
Bryde’s whales are classified under the family Balaenopteridae and take their name from the Norwegian consul John Bryde. Bryde’s whales love the pleasant equatorial and temperate ocean waters. Some species migrate and others do not with females being larger than males.

Bryde’s Whales have a total length between 45’-55’ (13.7-16.8 m), body height of 6.6’-7.9’ (2-2.4 m), and width of 10.5’-13.1’ (3.2-4 m). The typical weight of the Bryde’s Whale is in the range of 17-25 tons (15-23 metric tons). Bryde’s Whale have lifespans between 50-70 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Bryde’s Whale viewed from the front and side
Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera brydei)
Height:
6.6’-7.9’ | 2-2.4 m
Width:
10.5’-13.1’ | 3.2-4 m
Length:
45’-55’ | 13.7-16.8 m
Depth:
Weight:
17-25 tons | 15-23 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Balaenoptera brydei
Lifespan
50-70 years

Drawings include:

Bryde’s Whale side elevation, front, top

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Common Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
Scale illustration of an average Common Minke Whale with dimensions length compared to a human and sea cows

The Common Minke whale also referred to as the Northern Minke whale belongs to the family Balaenopteridae. They are usually smaller compared to other baleen whales and are notoriously inquisitive. These whales’ backs are covered in a black, brown, or inky grey hue with bellies and under their flippers being lighter than the rest of their bodies. Common Minke whales inhabit mostly the areas of North Atlantic oceans and occasionally drift to the southern hemisphere during winter. Like other baleen whales, they are often traveling in solitary or small groups and have a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years old. They also spot a dorsal fin and nick along their edges.

Common Minke Whales have a total length between 26’-35’ (7.9-10.7 m), body height of 4.3’-5.9’ (1.3-1.8 m), and width of 6.6’-9.2’ (2-2.8 m). The typical weight of the Common Minke Whale is in the range of 6-10 tons (5-9 metric tons). Common Minke Whale have lifespans between 40-50 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Common Minke Whale seen from the side and front
The Common Minke whale also referred to as the Northern Minke whale belongs to the family Balaenopteridae. They are usually smaller compared to other baleen whales and are notoriously inquisitive. These whales’ backs are covered in a black, brown, or inky grey hue with bellies being lighter.

Common Minke Whales have a total length between 26’-35’ (7.9-10.7 m), body height of 4.3’-5.9’ (1.3-1.8 m), and width of 6.6’-9.2’ (2-2.8 m). The typical weight of the Common Minke Whale is in the range of 6-10 tons (5-9 metric tons). Common Minke Whale have lifespans between 40-50 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Common Minke Whale seen from the side and front
Common Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
Height:
4.3’-5.9’ | 1.3-1.8 m
Width:
6.6’-9.2’ | 2-2.8 m
Length:
26’-35’ | 7.9-10.7 m
Depth:
Weight:
6-10 tons | 5-9 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Lifespan
40-50 years

Drawings include:

Common Minke Whale side elevation, front, top

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