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The ocean is perhaps one of the most fascinating wonders of our planet, and the species that inhabit it are even more interesting. For anyone who has ever wondered which is the world's largest whale, doing a Google search on the subject may not have been so satisfying. The results obtained can be so variable that we can find great differences in the recorded length and body weight of the species.
It is much easier to measure the length of a whale than its weight, for obvious reasons. Through records and photographs of these marine animals, researchers have been able to compile accurate measurements of a whale's length, yet most of the time, its weight is based on vague approximations.
Many of the largest mammals ever recorded are now extinct, but some of the whales on our list are at the height of these giants of the past. While whales can be intimidating mainly because of their enormous size, they are also considered one of the most intelligent and friendly marine animals known to man. Despite the popularity of some stories like Moby Dick, it is very unlikely that a human could be attacked by a whale. The largest of these species on our planet has a huge size, and it is perhaps one of the best-known species.
Below is our list of the five largest whales on the planet, although we assure you that if you ever meet any of these giants in the middle of the ocean, they will surely feel as curious about you as you do about them.
Blue Whale
The blue whale not only holds the record for the largest size in the ocean but throughout the planet, there is no living being greater than it. The measurements of this colossus can reach 100 feet (30 meters) in length and a weight of up to 150 tons (150,000 kilograms). In other words, the blue whale is an extraordinary creature.
At present, most of these specimens only reach lengths of 75 to 80 feet (22 to 24 meters). Their bodies are long and slender and may occupy several shades of bluish grey. Unfortunately, this is an animal in danger of extinction since 1960, and it is currently believed that only between 5000 and 12000 specimens remain in the world.
Fin whale
Our second largest whale is the fin whale, reaching almost 90 feet long (27 meters) and weighing approximately 74 tons (74,000 kilograms). The fin whale, also known as the fin whale, is the second longest animal in the world and has been called the "greyhound of the seas" because of its slender body.
The characteristic color of these animals is greyish brown, and like other large whales, it is an endangered species due to improper commercial hunting practices.
Right whale
Its name was coined by the first whalers, who called it "right" or suitable whales because of its slowness, and the fact that its body floated in the water once they were killed. In addition to being the third largest on our list, the right whale is also one of the least graceful, partly because of its bulbous head covered with calluses and its enormous row of beards.
Reaching almost 60 feet long (18 meters) and an astonishing weight of over 100 tons (100,000 kilograms), the right whale has a high-fat content, which is used by hunters to produce large quantities of whale oil.
Sperm whale
The largest toothed whale, the sperm whale, derives its name from the serous liquid (or spermaceti) located in its giant head. This marine mammal can measure up to 67 feet in length (20 meters) with a weight of 60 tons (60,000 kilograms).
In addition, it is considered the deepest sea dwelling mammal and the one with the largest brain of any animal on the planet. Giant squid are part of their preferred diet, and males can normally be found in Antarctic waters.
Greenland Whale
Related to the right whale, Greenland whales are about 66 feet long (20 meters) on average and can weigh almost 74 tons (74,000 kilograms). The body of these impressive animals is very robust, and they have no dorsal fin.
In addition, the Greenland whale is known as the Greenland right whale, boreal whale or arctic whale, mainly because most of them can be found in the Arctic and subarctic waters. They are also characterized by being slow swimmers and one of the favorite targets of hunters, which is why there are only 24 000 specimens left on our planet.
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