A mink whale, also known as a minke whale, is a species of baleen whale that belongs to the family Balaenopteridae and the genus Balaenoptera. It is the second smallest of the rorqual whale family, following the pygmy right whale.
Typically measuring between 7 to 10 meters in length and weighing around 5 to 10 tons, the mink whale exhibits a streamlined body with a tapered head and a slender, dark-colored body. It is characterized by a single ridge, called a rostrum, on its head, which extends towards the mouth, and a small, falcate dorsal fin located about two-thirds along its back. Their coloration varies, often displaying a dark gray or blackish upper body with a lighter shade underneath. Some individuals may also possess white patches on their flippers or bellies.
Mink whales are distributed throughout the world's oceans and can be found in both tropical and polar regions, primarily in pelagic waters near coastlines. They are known for their speed, agility, and acrobatic behavior, often displaying breaching, spyhopping, and lobtailing. As filter feeders, they primarily consume small schooling fish, krill, and plankton by employing a baleen filtration system to trap their prey while excreting the excess water.
Despite being a relatively elusive species, mink whales are not currently endangered. However, they face threats such as entanglement in fishing gear, hunting, habitat degradation, and collisions with ships. These factors highlight the importance of conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of this fascinating marine mammal.
