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The Minke whale
Balaenoptera acutorostrata
​General description
The Minke whale is the smallest species of whale, measuring between 8 and 9 meters long. Its fusiform body ends in a triangular and pointed snout. It has between 50 and 70 ventral folds extending from the lower jaw to the pectoral fins, allowing it to considerably increase the volume of its mouth when feeding. Its dorsal fin, relatively high and sickle-shaped, is located two-thirds of its back. Its body has a characteristic coloring: a dark gray back extending from the snout to the caudal fin, a white to cream ventral side, as well as sides with shades of gray. Its pectoral fins are distinguished by a large white spot on their external surface.
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Habitat
A pelagic and cosmopolitan species, the Minke whale is present in oceans around the world, from tropical regions to polar waters. Although it mainly frequents the open sea, it can also be observed near the coast. Its migrations are still poorly understood, but it appears that it makes seasonal movements, reaching tropical or subtropical waters in winter to reproduce, then migrating to higher latitudes in summer to feed.
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Diet
The Minke whale feeds mainly on krill and small fish that live in schools. It adopts a spectacular hunting technique, propelling itself out of the water with its mouth wide open under schools of prey before expelling the water and filtering its food using its baleen plates.
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Behavior
Generally solitary, the Minke whale can nevertheless be observed in small groups of two or three individuals. In feeding areas, it may temporarily form large gatherings. It is known for its spectacular jumps, landing flat on its stomach or side. Inquisitive by nature, it sometimes approaches ships, suddenly appearing at their bows or sides, surprising many observers. Its discreet breathing and its brief rises to the surface make it difficult to spot from a distance.
Family : Balaenopteridae​​
Height (m)​​
Weight (tons)
Lifespan (years)
Sexual Maturity
(years)
Gestation
(month)
7.50 - 8.50
6 - 8
50 - 60
5 - 8
8.50 - 9.50
6 - 8
50 - 60
6 - 8
10 - 11
Global distribution of the Minke Whale, adapted from Perrin, William F.. (2018). Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals || Minke Whales. , (), 608–613. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-804327-1.00175-8
Main threats
Minke whales are threatened by accidental capture in fishing gear, continued hunting in some countries, chemical and noise pollution, and ship strikes. Their coastal habitat makes them particularly vulnerable to these threats, while climate change is affecting the availability of their prey.
Least Concern
IUCN Status :
References
- Sylvestre, Jean-Pierre. 2014. Cetaceans of the World Systematics, Ethology, Biology, Ecology, Status. Practical Guide. Éditions Quae.
- Perrin, William F.. (2018). Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals || Minke Whales. , (), 608–613. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-804327-1.00175-8
- Kot, Brian W., Richard Sears, Ayal Anis, Douglas P. Nowacek, Jason Gedamke, and Christopher D. Marshall. 2012. “Behavioral responses of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) to experimental fishing gear in a coastal environment.” Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 413 (February):13‑20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2011.11.018.
- NOAA Fisheries
- International Whaling Commission