Baleen Whales | Mysticeti

Baleen Whales | Mysticeti

Description
Description

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.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Baleen whales are gentle giants of the ocean. Unlike their toothed relatives, they possess baleen plates in their mouths to filter-feed on tiny organisms. With large, streamlined bodies, they glide gracefully using strong flukes, which move vertically. They have two blowholes, allowing for efficient respiration. While they don't echolocate like toothed whales, they emit low-frequency sounds for communication that can travel vast distances. Their eyes are adapted for underwater vision, though they rely heavily on their keen sense of hearing in the vast oceans. Though these behemoths have a reduced sense of taste, they're perfectly designed for their planktonic diet.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Baleen whales (Mysticeti) have long captivated human imagination. Historically, they were hunted extensively for their blubber, baleen, and meat, leading to near-extinction for some species. Literature like Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" immortalized their majestic presence, and today, they're iconic symbols in pop culture, often representing nature's grandeur. Whale songs, particularly from the humpback, have inspired music and evoked wonder. In recent decades, conservation has become paramount. Moratoriums on commercial whaling and the establishment of protected marine areas have aimed to reverse declines. Whale-watching has become a sustainable alternative, celebrating these giants and emphasizing their vital role in marine ecosystems.

Common Questions
Common Questions
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.

Animals

* Under Development *

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
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Fin Whale to a typical person and sea cows

The Fin whale is number two after the blue whale in terms of weight, size, and body length. The Fin whale or common rorqual or finback whale or herring whale or razorback whale fall under the family Balaenopteridae and also are cosmopolitan species preferring the open ocean and less of an ice pack or small areas of water. The Fin whale is identified by a long, slender body with brownish-grey back and paler underside. Fin whales spot a distinct ridge behind their dorsal fin, paired blowhole, and pointed snout. Additionally, they are filter feeders often traveling in pairs or alone and frequently encountered on whale-watching exercise.

Fin Whales have a total length between 75’-90’ (22.9-27.4 m), body height of 9.5’-11.5’ (2.9-3.5 m), and width of 15.4’-18.4’ (4.7-5.6 m). The typical weight of the Fin Whale is in the range of 74-114 tons (67-103 metric tons). Fin Whale have lifespans between 80-100 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Fin Whale in front and side poses
The Fin whale is number two after the blue whale in terms of weight, size, and body length. The Fin whale or common rorqual or finback whale or herring whale or razorback whale fall under the family Balaenopteridae and also are cosmopolitan species preferring the open ocean.

Fin Whales have a total length between 75’-90’ (22.9-27.4 m), body height of 9.5’-11.5’ (2.9-3.5 m), and width of 15.4’-18.4’ (4.7-5.6 m). The typical weight of the Fin Whale is in the range of 74-114 tons (67-103 metric tons). Fin Whale have lifespans between 80-100 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Fin Whale in front and side poses
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
Height:
9.5’-11.5’ | 2.9-3.5 m
Width:
15.4’-18.4’ | 4.7-5.6 m
Length:
75’-90’ | 22.9-27.4 m
Depth:
Weight:
74-114 tons | 67-103 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Balaenoptera physalus
Lifespan
80-100 years

Drawings include:

Fin Whale side elevation, front, top

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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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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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Pygmy Right Whale (Caperea marginata)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Pygmy Right Whale compared to other sea cows and a person

Pygmy right whales are no featherweights as their name may suggest but when compared to other filter-feeding whales, they are the smallest spotting flat round heads and ivory-colored baleen. Pygmy right whales are members of the family Cetotheres and native to the Southern Hemisphere or southern oceans. Pygmy right whales, unlike other right whales, have sickle-shaped dorsal fins, bodies that are sleeker and more streamlined and small, narrowly rounded flippers. Additionally, Pygmy right whales are social and prefer gathering in groups and spending less time on the surface. They also spot pale highlighting running along their underside to the tail.

Pygmy Right Whales have a total length between 16’-21’ (4.9-6.4 m), body height of 2.7’-3.6’ (.83-1.09 m), and width of 4.3’-5.6’ (1.3-1.7 m). The typical weight of the Pygmy Right Whale is in the range of 3-4 tons (2.7-3.6 metric tons). Pygmy Right Whale have lifespans between 20-40 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Pygmy Right Whale viewed from the front and side
Pygmy right whales are no featherweights as their name may suggest but when compared to other filter-feeding whales, they are the smallest spotting flat round heads and ivory-colored baleen. Pygmy right whales are members of the family Cetotheres and native to the Southern Hemisphere.

Pygmy Right Whales have a total length between 16’-21’ (4.9-6.4 m), body height of 2.7’-3.6’ (.83-1.09 m), and width of 4.3’-5.6’ (1.3-1.7 m). The typical weight of the Pygmy Right Whale is in the range of 3-4 tons (2.7-3.6 metric tons). Pygmy Right Whale have lifespans between 20-40 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Pygmy Right Whale viewed from the front and side
Pygmy Right Whale (Caperea marginata)
Height:
2.7’-3.6’ | .83-1.09 m
Width:
4.3’-5.6’ | 1.3-1.7 m
Length:
16’-21’ | 4.9-6.4 m
Depth:
Weight:
3-4 tons | 2.7-3.6 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Caperea marginata
Lifespan
20-40 years

Drawings include:

Pygmy Right 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

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads