Pronunciation: [fˈɪn wˈe͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the second largest animal on earth is "fin whale." The word "fin" refers to the whale's prominent dorsal fin, which is located towards the rear of its back. The phonetic transcription of "fin whale" is /fɪn weɪl/, with the "f" pronounced as in "fire" and the "w" pronounced as in "way." The stress is on the first syllable, and the "h" in "whale" is silent.
Fin whale, scientifically known as Balaenoptera physalus, is a marine mammal belonging to the cetacean family Balaenopteridae. It is the second largest species of whale and commonly recognized by its sleek body structure and prominent dorsal fin located two-thirds along its back.
The average adult fin whale measures between 50 to 70 feet long and weighs approximately 50 to 80 tons. It showcases a dark gray or black body with a lighter coloring on its underside. Its long, narrow, and streamlined body allows it to reach remarkable swimming speeds, making it one of the fastest whales in the ocean.
These massive creatures are known for their exceptional feeding abilities, primarily consuming small schooling fish, squid, and krill. They utilize a unique feeding technique called "lunge feeding," which involves engulfing large volumes of prey by opening their jaws widely and engulfing large amounts of water along with the food.
Fin whales can be found in several oceans worldwide, particularly in Antarctic waters, the North Atlantic, the North Pacific, and the Mediterranean Sea. They are highly migratory animals, traveling long distances between feeding and breeding grounds.
Due to their enormous size and commercial value, fin whales have historically faced threats from hunting and whaling activities. While they are still classified as an endangered species, various conservation efforts have been implemented to protect their populations, including restrictions on hunting and international agreements such as the International Whaling Commission.
The word "fin whale" has its etymology rooted in the physical characteristics of the species. The term "fin" refers to the prominent dorsal fin found on the whale's back, which is particularly tall and prominent in comparison to other whale species. The word "whale" itself, derived from Old English "hwæl", can be traced back to Proto-Germanic and is similar in various Germanic languages.
