The blue whale is not only the largest living animal but probably the largest creature the world has ever known. One of greatest recorded lengths for a blue whale is 33.58m (110ft, 2.5ins).

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Overview

Illustration of a blue whaleOrder: Artiodactyla

Family: Balaenopteridae

Species: Balaenoptera musculus

IUCN Red List status: Endangered

Population trend: increasing

Order: Cetacea

Family: Balaenopteridae

Distribution: Scattered areas in all major oceans but mainly in Arctic and Antarctic waters.

Size: Length: 31m (104ft) Weight: 125+tonnes

Life Span: 80 years

Gestation period: 11 months

Food: Small crustaceans

 

Read More: Feeding

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