Baleen whales are also known for their characteristic long and pointed head, that can be up to one-third of their body length. They have a small dorsal fin, which is located near the middle of their back. Their flippers are also relatively small and pointed, and are located near the front of their body.
In terms of size, baleen whales are some of the largest animals on the planet. The blue whale is the largest animal known to have ever existed, with some individuals growing up to 100 feet (30 meters) in length and weighing over 200 tons (180 metric tonnes). The humpback whale, while smaller than the blue whale, can still reach lengths of up to 60 feet (18 meters) and weigh up to 40-50 tons.
The bowhead whale is also a large species, reaching up to 60-70 feet (18-21 m) in length and weighing up to 100 tons. Gray whale is somewhat small compared to others, reaching up to 45-50 feet (14-15 m) in length and weighing up to 35-40 tons
The habitat of baleen whales varies depending on the species. Some species are found in a wide variety of habitats, while others are more specialized.
Many baleen whales are found in the open ocean, where they feed on krill, plankton, and small fish. They are often found in the cold waters near the poles, such as the Antarctic and Arctic Oceans, but can also be found in warmer waters closer to the equator.
Baleen whales are filter feeders and primarily feed on small organisms such as krill, plankton, and small fish. The specific diet of a baleen whale can depend on the species and their location.
They are social animals, and are often seen in groups, which can include hundreds of individuals in the case of blue and humpback whales. They use a variety of vocalizations to communicate, including songs and calls. They migrate long distances between their feeding and breeding grounds, with some species traveling thousands of miles.
Baleen whales are a suborder of cetaceans, characterized by the presence of baleen plates in the upper jaw, which they use to filter food from the water. Baleen whales include several species, some of which are:
- Blue Whale: It is the largest animal on Earth, can grow up to 100 ft long and weigh 200 tons. They feed on small crustaceans called krill.
- Humpback Whale: It is known for its distinctive hump and long flippers. It can grow up to 50 ft long and weigh 40 tons. They feed on small fish and krill.
- Gray Whale: This species is known for its gray color and mottled skin. They can grow up to 45 ft long and weigh 35 tons. They feed on small crustaceans and amphipods that live in the sandy bottom of the ocean.
Baleen whales play a significant role in the marine ecosystem and several of them are endangered or vulnerable because of hunting and pollution. Many of them are now protected by international laws, which limits hunting and by-catch.