![]() They are also found in the western Mediterranean Sea. The much larger second population is distributed in the North Atlantic Ocean, with their range extending from the waters of South Carolina in US across to Morocco and Azores in south and the waters of Newfoundland to Iceland, Greenland and northern regions of Norway in north. Sightings have been reported off the coasts of countries like Argentina, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The global population of long finned whales is divided into two parts, with the first and smaller one inhabiting the circumpolar band in the Southern Ocean between the altitudes of 20° S and 65° S. They also have one dorsal fin sweeping backwards from the frontal part of their backs. The tail stocks are flattened from one side to another. Other lighter areas include a large pale marking on their bellies and the light genital patches.įins and Flippers: The whales have a pair of sickle-shaped flippers with their length varying between the two species. They also have a pale anchor-shaped band under their chins while a faint blaze marking can be seen behind both eyes. For example, the area behind their dorsal fins is marked with a light grayish saddle pitch. The average body weight of the male short finned whales is around 3,200 kg while the females can weigh up to 1,500 kg.Ĭolor: They are principally dark gray, black or brownish in color with light patches marking certain areas. Weight: The male long finned whales weigh around 2,300 kg with the females weighing about 1,300 kg. For the short finned species, adult males grow around 7.2 m long while the average body length of the females is approximately 5.5 m. The males are about a meter longer than the females. Size: The long finned species is usually larger than the short finned one with an adult long finned whale reaching a length of approximately 6.5 m. Both species display specific sexual dimorphism as well.īody: Their bodies are more plump and robust compared to most other species from the dolphin family. However, there are certain distinctions between them, such as size and weight. The two species have similar physical appearance, making it difficult to identify them in water.
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