Blue Whales

The Killer Whale 

True wildlife| Blue Whales | Blue Whales are the largest animal in the world. They reach lengths between 20 and 30 m (66 - 98 ft) and they weigh between 100 and 160 tonnes (98.5 - 157.5 tons). 

They have long, tapering bodies and a flat, u-shaped head that has a prominent ridge running from the blow hole to the top of the upper lip. From their top lip hang approximately 300 baleen plates that are around 1m (3.3 ft) long and they run approximately 0.5 m (1.6 ft) back into their mouth. These plates assist the whale with removing water from its mouth after feeding.The tongue of a Blue Whale weighs around 2.7 tonnes (2.66 tons) and when their mouth is fully expanded it can hold up to 90 tonnes (88.6 tons) of food and water. Despite the size of their mouth, their throat dimensions will not allow them to swallow anything larger than the size of a beach ball.Blue Whales have a small dorsal fin located about three quarters of they way along their back and they have flippers that are 3 - 4 m (10 - 13 ft) in length.
They also have 55 - 68 skin grooves or pleats that are located on their underside and they run from their jaw to approximately half way along their body. They are coloured blue/grey on their upper surface, with a mottled pattern, and are paler on their underside.They have twin blow-holes that are shielded by a large splash guard and when they return to the surface after a dive they will release a "blow", consisting of warm air, mucus and water, about 9m (30 ft) high into the air.Blue Whales can dive to depths of 200 m (655 ft) and when making a deep dive they will "headstand" exposing their distinctive tail flukes above the surface of the water. They will descend steeply, using propulsion from their back muscles that moves their rear body and tail flukes up and down.Blue Whales make the loudest noise of any creature. They make grunts, hums and moans that can reach volumes greater than 180 decibels. They generally swim slowly but they can reach speeds of 30 Km/h (18.6 mph) if required.Blue Whales are found in oceans throughout the world except in the Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. They tend to be solitary except mothers with their young or sometimes they will live in small pods consisting of 2 - 3 individuals.

Blue Whales

Blue Whale jumping

Blue Whale in water

Blue Whale jumping out of water 

Blue Whale in Ocean