Minke Whale
Balaenoptera acutorostrata
IUCN: Least ConcernAbout Minke Whale
Minke whales are the smallest of the great whales, known for their curious nature and distinctive white bands on their flippers. Despite being common and widespread, they're also the most heavily hunted whale species today.
Minke whales (pronounced 'MINK-ee') are sleek, streamlined baleen whales with pointed snouts. They're divided into two species: common minke (Northern Hemisphere and worldwide) and Antarctic minke. They're fast, agile swimmers and often curious about boats.
🌊 Habitat
Minke whales are found in all oceans, from tropical to polar waters. They inhabit both coastal and offshore waters, and some populations make seasonal migrations while others remain in the same area year-round.
🦐 Diet & Feeding
Minkes are lunge feeders, consuming small schooling fish (herring, sand lance, capelin) and krill. They can eat up to 400 pounds of food per day. In polar regions, they often feed near the ice edge.
🐋 Behavior
Minkes are generally solitary but can be found in small groups at feeding areas. They're known for their curiosity and may approach boats. They rarely breach fully but sometimes 'spy-hop' (stick their heads out of the water to look around).
👶 Reproduction
Females give birth to a single calf after a 10-11 month gestation. Calves are about 8 feet long at birth and nurse for 5-6 months. Sexual maturity is reached at 6-8 years.
🛡️ Conservation Status
Minke whales are listed as Least Concern with healthy populations worldwide. However, they're the most commonly hunted whale today, with Japan, Norway, and Iceland conducting commercial or 'scientific' whaling. Several hundred are killed annually.
Fun Facts About Minke Whale
Minkes are the smallest of the great whales, yet still reach 35 feet long
They have a distinctive white band on each flipper
Minke whales are often curious about boats and may approach them
They're the most commonly hunted whale species today
Minkes can reach speeds of up to 21 mph