August 2010
4 posts
7 tags
Whale of the day
Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
The Fin whale is the second largest animal on earth, growing up to more than 26m (85¼ft). It is one of the fastest swimmers of the bigger whales and can reach speeds up to 30km/h (19mph).
7 tags
Whale of the day
Strap-toothed whale (Mesoplodon layardii)
The Strap-toothed whale is one of the mysterious beaked whales. The male is easily identified by two extraordinary teeth growing from the lower jaw, which then curls upwards and backwards over the top of its upper jaw. In some old animals, the teeth can grow to a length of 30cm (12in) and sometimes even meet in the middle. It’s the most commonly reported...
8 tags
Whale of the day
Amazon river dolphin/Boto (Inia geoffrensis)
The Boto is the largest of the river dolphins. The body colour is highly variable with age, temperature, water clarity and location; from pink to bluish grey and off-white. The Boto population is believed to be declining.
7 tags
Whale of the day
Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
The Beluga whale is one of the most vocal of the toothed whales, and is known as the “canary of the sea”. It is well adapted to live close to shore and can manoeuvre in very shallow water. The beluga spends much of its time at the surface and can be found in seasonally ice-covered waters of the arctic and subarctic.
