How much does blue whale weight?
Quick Answer
Adult blue whales weigh 100-200 tons (200,000-400,000 pounds). The largest recorded blue whale weighed approximately 190 tons. At birth, calves weigh about 2.5 tons and gain 200 pounds per day drinking 100 gallons of milk.
Key Facts
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🔍 3,600/moHow Much Does Blue Whale Weight
Adult blue whales weigh 100-200 tons (200,000-400,000 pounds). The largest recorded blue whale weighed approximately 190 tons. At birth, calves weigh about 2.5 tons and gain 200 pounds per day drinking 100 gallons of milk.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Marine mammal |
| Family | Cetacea |
| Habitat | Oceans worldwide |
| Conservation | Protected in most countries |
| Research Status | Ongoing scientific study |
How Big Is a blue whale?
blue whales are among the most impressive creatures in the ocean. Here’s a comprehensive look at their size:
| Measurement | Value | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 30m | About 2 school buses |
| Weight | 190 tons | Equal to 25+ elephants |
| Heart size | Size of a small car | Pumps 10,000+ liters/minute |
Size Comparison Table
| Species | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| blue whale | 30m | 190 tons |
| African Elephant | 7m | 6 tons |
| Great White Shark | 6m | 2 tons |
| Human | 1.7m | 70 kg |
Growth and Development
blue whale calves are born at approximately 7-8 meters and grow rapidly during their first year.
| Life Stage | Size | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 7m | Birth |
| Juvenile | 12m | 1-2 years |
| Adult | 30m | 10-15 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do blue whales live?
blue whales are found in oceans worldwide. They prefer cold, nutrient-rich waters where their prey is abundant.
Are blue whales endangered?
blue whales are currently classified as Vulnerable. Conservation efforts are critical for their survival.
How do blue whales communicate?
blue whales use a variety of vocalizations including clicks, whistles, and calls. These sounds can travel hundreds of miles through the ocean.
What are the main threats to blue whales?
The primary threats include ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, ocean noise pollution, and climate change affecting their food supply. These threats are particularly concerning given their vulnerable population.
How can I help protect blue whales?
You can help by supporting marine conservation organizations, reducing plastic use, choosing sustainable seafood, and advocating for stronger ocean protection policies. Every action helps protect these magnificent creatures.
Learn More
For more information about blue whales and other whale species, explore our comprehensive whale encyclopedia. Understanding these magnificent creatures helps us protect them for future generations.
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Sources & References
Last verified: 2026-02-04
People Also Ask
how much does a blue whale weigh?
An adult blue whale can weigh up to 200 tons (approximately 400,000 pounds or 181 metric tonnes), making it the heaviest animal ever known to have lived on Earth.
how big is a blue whale?
Blue whales are the largest animals ever known to exist, growing up to 100 feet (30 meters) long and weighing as much as 200 tons (181 metric tonnes).
are whales mammals?
Yes, whales are mammals. They breathe air, are warm-blooded, give birth to live young, nurse their calves with milk, and have body hair — all defining characteristics of mammals.
are killer whales dolphins?
Yes, killer whales (orcas) are technically dolphins. They are the largest members of the oceanic dolphin family Delphinidae, despite being commonly called 'whales.'
Test Your Knowledge: Blue Whale
Diet: krill (up to 4 tons daily)