Overview
The blue whale is the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth. These magnificent marine mammals rule the oceans at up to 30 meters long and weigh as much as 200 tons. Despite their enormous size, blue whales feed almost exclusively on tiny krill.
Fun Facts
- A blue whale's heart is the size of a small car.
- They consume up to 4 tons of krill per day.
- Their calls reach 188 decibels — the loudest of any animal.
- Newborns are 7 meters long and gain 90 kg per day.
- Only 10,000–25,000 remain today.
Gallery
FAQ
How big is a blue whale?
Adults reach 24–30 meters and weigh 100–200 tons.
What do blue whales eat?
Almost exclusively krill, filtered through baleen plates.
Are blue whales dangerous?
No. They are gentle filter feeders with no teeth.
Sources
- NOAA Fisheries
- Smithsonian Ocean
- Encyclopaedia Britannica
- IUCN Red List
Data Notes
Some values (e.g., size, weight, lifespan, speed) are estimates and may vary across studies, regions, age, and measurement methods.
Images on this page are AI-generated illustrations for editorial use. They should not be used as diagnostic identification references.