Blue Whale
The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) reaches up to 30 meters in length and up to 190 tonnes in weight, making it the largest known animal in Earth's history. Despite commercial whaling in the 20th century, populations are slowly recovering; the species is classified as Endangered.
biology.mammals
Metrics
Scientific Name
Linnaeus, 1758. Family Balaenopteridae (rorquals).
Body Length
Average 25–27 m, females larger than males. Longest confirmed record: approx. 29.9 m.
Mass
Average 110,000–150,000 kg, maximum up to approx. 190 tonnes documented.
Lifespan
Estimated 80–90 years, possibly over 100 years.
Relations
A blue whale weighs roughly as much as 25 African elephants.
Factor: 25 × · Direction: A_gt_B
Explanations
The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest known animal in Earth's history, reaching lengths of up to 30 meters and weighing approximately 150 tons. Despite intensive commercial whaling during the 20th century, populations are showing slow recovery, though the species remains classified as endangered by the IUCN. These massive marine mammals inhabit all oceans worldwide and can reach speeds of up to 48 km/h with life expectancies of 80–90 years.
Sources
Globaler Schutzstatus: Endangered.
Offizielle Artbeschreibung der US-Meeresbehörde.
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Provenance
Status
seed
Review
none
Last Updated
2026-02-17