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Baleen Whale Image Gallery
Filter-Feeding Whales Include the Largest Animals in the World

From Jennifer Kennedy, About.com

There are 14 species of baleen whales, from the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), the largest animal in the world, to the pygmy right whale (Caperea marginata), which at about 20 feet is the smallest baleen whale.

All baleen whales are in the order Cetacean and suborder Mysticeti and use plates made of keratin to filter their food. Common prey items for baleen whales include small schooling fish, krill and plankton.

Baleen whales are majestic animals and can exhibit fascinating behaviors, as shown in some of the photos in this image gallery.

Images 1-10 of 10
Blue Whale - Balaenoptera musculus pictureBlue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)Blue whale spoutingBlue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)Blue whale spoutingBlue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) SpoutingHumpback Whale Image - Filament FlukeHumpback Whale Tail Fluke
Fin whale image, showing scar on right side.Fin Whale - Balaenoptera physalusFin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) spoutingFin Whale SpoutingHumpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) lunge-feeding, showing baleenHumpback Whale Lunge-FeedingMinke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) HeadNorth Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) Poop / Jonathan GwalthneyRight Whale (Eubalaena Glacialis) Poop
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