Balaenopteridae
The Balaenopteridae are a family of baleen whales that includes the rorquals. They are characterized by their streamlined bodies, long, slender jaws, and pleated throat grooves, which allow them to expand their throats to swallow large quantities of water and prey. Rorquals are among the largest animals on Earth, with some species reaching lengths of over 100 feet. They are found in all oceans and seas, ranging from tropical to polar regions.
Common Names
The family Balaenopteridae is commonly known as the rorquals. The individual species have various common names, including:
- Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
- Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
- Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis)
- Bryde's Whale (Balaenoptera edeni)
- Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
- Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
- Common Rorqual (Balaenoptera bonaerensis)
Characteristics
Balaenopteridae share a number of distinctive characteristics, including:
- Streamlined bodies, adapted for efficient swimming
- Long, slender jaws with baleen plates instead of teeth
- Pleated throat grooves, which expand when the whale swallows large amounts of water and prey
- Dorsal fin located towards the rear of the body
- Two blowholes located on the top of the head
- Large size, with some species reaching lengths of over 100 feet
Environments
Balaenopteridae are found in all oceans and seas, ranging from tropical to polar regions. They are generally pelagic, meaning they inhabit the open ocean, but some species may venture closer to shore, especially in areas with abundant prey.