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Minke Whales(Balaenoptera acutorostrata) |
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Minke Whales(Balaenoptera acutorostrata) |
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Physical Statistics:
Minke whales reach about 20-25 feet in length and are the smallest baleen whale found in
the New England area. A minke's weight usually ranges between 8-12 tons.
Field Marks:
Minke whales do not usually have a visible blow, but when visible reaches about 5-8 feet.
They have a very unique way of surfacing, in which the very pointy rostrum (snout) is
brought up out of the water at 45° or more when taking a breath. The dorsal fin is very
large and falcate and varies somewhat in shape . The small flippers are dark in color,
with a prominent white band around them called a mitten. When diving, the back arches up
high, but like the fin whale, the flukes rarely come out of the water. The average dive is
rather short, lasting 3-5 minutes. Minke whales are very solitary animals.
Individual Identification:
Minke whales are very difficult to identify and unfortunately because of this, not much
has been done in the way of cataloguing until recently. Individuals can be recognized by
differences in dorsal fin shape, any scars on the body and a faint "swathe"
pattern (light pigment) that runs down both sides of the body.
