Common Minke Whale
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
Identity card
Taxonomy
Order: Mysticetes
Family: Balaenopteridae
Species: Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Measurements
7 to 9.8 m, weighing 5 000 to 10 000 kg
Lifespan
30 to 60 years
IUCN status
Least Concern
(International Red List)
Data Deficient
(Martinique 2020 Red List, Guadeloupe 2022 Red List)
Listen to the distant songs of a Common Minke Whale migrating through the waters of the Agoa Sanctuary.
Habitat
The Common Minke Whale lives in temperate, tropical and polar waters in both hemispheres. It is found in particular between the Lesser Antilles and the eastern Gulf of Mexico. It is migratory, moving from warmer waters in winter to colder waters to feed. It is particularly present in coastal waters and estuaries.
Diet
Its diet consists of krill, small fish and cephalopods, which it finds in shallow waters.
Reproduction
Sexual maturity is estimated at 7 years and gestation lasts 10 to 11 months. The female gives birth every two years usually between November and March.
Morphological characteristics for identification at sea
- Head: triangular and pointed, emerges during breathing sequences, central ridge.
- Fins: accounting for 2/3 of the body, rather curved
- Spout: practically imperceptible
- Swim sequence: dives without ever showing its tail fin
- Colouring: grey-black back that can tend towards brown, black/white demarcation on the flanks, marked white patch on each pectoral fin
Petit rorqual / Common Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Petit rorqual / Common Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Did you know?
When it reaches the surface after a long dive, the Common Minke Whale starts to blow before reaching the surface and its spray remains quite low (2 to 3 m). This is the reason why it is difficult to observe.