Blue Whale

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Scientific Name:
                                        Balaenoptera musculus

Recognition:
                        --- Is known as sulphur bottom, for the yellow-brown appearance of                                                
                                     diatoms flourishing on the skin

Food & Feeding:

                                        --- shallow feeders
                                        --- preferred food appears to be krill
                                        --- adult blue whale may eat up to 8 tons of krill in a day
                                        --- feeding takes place during the evening and early morning

Life Cycle:

                            --- calving occurs every 2-3 years
                            --- gestation lasts 12 months
                            --- weaning period is 8 months

World Population:

                                                --- estimate 10,000 - 15,000 worldwide