Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Minke Whale
Smaller than either the Humpback or the Fin Whale, the Minke Whales rarely spends much time on the surface. Notice the sickle shaped dorsal fin. Named for a whaling captain who took them when others shunned them as too small to bother.

Frequently seen on whale watches from Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire.

Description
Baleen whale with throat groves and two blow holes. Head is triangular shaped with rather pointed snout. Dorsal fin is sickle-shaped and tall and placed on the rear 1/3 of the back.

Behavior
Does not lift flukes on diving. Seldom breaches and occasionally spyhops. May follow small boats. The blow is weak and is seen at the same time that the dorsal fin is visible.

Food
The Minke Whale feeds on small fish such as Herring or Capelin and small crustaceans. Known to feed just under the surface.

Range

References