Minke Whale
Whales, dolphins and porpoises all belong to the scientific order Cetacea. The word “cetacean” originates from the Greek word “ketos,” which means “sea monster.” The term “whale” is often used to describe all cetaceans.
Cetaceans are found in all of the Earth's oceans as well as in some rivers and estuaries. There are approximately 80 different species, and 33 of these are commonly found in oceans and rivers around Canada.
Cetaceans come in a wide range of sizes. The smaller
ones (porpoises) are less than two metres long and may
weigh around 30 kilograms. The “great whales”
(blue, bowhead, fin, humpback, minke, right, sperm…)
are much larger. Blue whales can grow up to 30 metres
and weigh as much as 100 tonnes (there have even been
accounts of blue whales in excess of 125 tonnes). This
is equivalent to 33 of the largest land animal—the
African elephant. The blue whale is the largest (heaviest)
creature to have ever lived on Earth.
Fast Fact:
Narwhals have long spiral tusks that make
them look like swimming unicorns. The tusk
is actually a tooth growing out of the whale’s
top lip and can indicate how old the whale
is and how big.
