Identification.
A large species, second only in size to Blue Whale. Fin Whale is a relatively slender, streamlined species with a pointed head and a prominent dorsal fin positioned three-quarters of the way along the back. The upperside of the body is dark grey, often with pale chevrons behind the blow-hols. At close range, the asymmetrical pigmentation of the lower jaw is diagnostic: the left lower lip being dark, the right being white. The tall, columnar blow often reaches a height of 8m and takes several seconds to dissipate.

Similar Species.
At long range confusion is likely with both Sei and Blue Whale. Sei Whales generally have a lower, more bushy blow, which on surfacing, appears simultaneously with a more prominent sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Also, when diving, Fin Whales are more likely to arch their tail-stock. Blue Whales differ in having a small dorsal fin, paler coloration and mottled pattern. Unlike Blue Whales, Fin Whales only very rarely raise their tail flukes on diving.

Behaviour.
Fin Whales are usually observed singly or in pairs, sometimes in small pods, and occasionally in large aggregations of up to 100 animals where food is plentiful. They are very fast swimmers and have been regularly recorded breaching and lunge-feeding.

Status and Distribution.
Fin Whales are widely distributed throughout the world, but appear to be more common in sub-polar and cool temperate waters in the summer months, moving to warmer latitudes in the winter to mate and calve.

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