Family Balaenopteridae

Animals in the family Balaenopteridae on Global Animal Guide. The guide features 4 species in this family — each profile answers the most-searched questions first.

Blue whale swimming near the ocean surface seen from above, dwarfing the surrounding water

Endangered

Mammal

Blue Whale

The largest animal that has ever lived

Humpback whale breaching out of the open ocean with spray

Least Concern

Mammal

Humpback Whale

The acrobatic singer of the seas

Fin whale surfacing with asymmetric jaw in cold ocean waters

Vulnerable

Mammal

Fin Whale

The sleek greyhound of the seas

Minke whale surfacing with pointed snout in cold coastal waters

Least Concern

Mammal

Minke Whale

The smallest and most abundant rorqual