Fin whales have a world-wide distribution though they tend to be less common in tropical waters. In the southern hemisphere, fin whales migrate from summering grounds in the Antarctic past New Zealand and Australia to overwinter in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
Fin whales are the second largest whale species and can grow up to 26 m in length. The head is narrow and ‘V’ shaped with a prominent median ridge. The back is distinctly ridged from the dorsal fin to the flukes, prompting the common name ‘razor back’. There are 50 to 100 slim ventral grooves extending to the navel. Body colour is dark grey to brownish black but with white underneath and behind the head (chevron), flukes and flippers and along the midline of the back. Fin whales have a world-wide distribution though they tend to be less common in tropical waters. In the southern hemisphere, fin whales migrate from summering grounds in the Antarctic past New Zealand and Australia to overwinter in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Threats include direct killing (illegal in Australian waters), entanglement in nets or other water debris, collision with oceanic vessels. marine pollution leading to disease or strandings, e.g. oil spills. competition and depletion of food stocks by fisheries, especially unsustainable harvest of krill, disturbance and harassment.
Source; Bryant, S. L. and Jackson, J. (1999). Tasmania’s Threatened Fauna Handbook. Threatened Species Unit, Parks and Wildlife Service, Hobart.
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