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), the smallest baleen whale at about 20 feet in length.
All baleen whales are in the Order Cetacea 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.
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