Maximum length of 22 metres

Dark gray to brownish black on back and sides, no mottling (as seen on a blue whale). White undersides.

Right lower lip is white and the left lower lip is dark – this asymmetrical head colouration is a diagnostic feature that can be reliably used to differentiate fin whales from other species of large whales.

Head is V-shaped

Dorsal fin 2/3 metre in height, sickle shaped and curving towards the back, seen shortly after the blow.

Blow is narrow, cone shaped, up to 6 metres in height

Fin whales rarely lift the tail fluke prior to a deep dive

Fin whales feed primarily on small invertebrates, schooling fish and squids.

Unlike blue or sei whales, fin whales occasionally leap clear of the water.

Fin whales rarely lift the tail fluke prior to a deep dive.

Seen alone or in small groups of 2 to 4.

In British Columbia, fin whales are seen in summer and winter months, most commonly in offshore waters, Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound. 

Fin whales are easily confused with sei whales: fin whales have a dorsal fin that is smaller relative to body size, rises at a shallower angle from the back, and is positioned slightly further back on the body compared to that of a sei whale. Fin whales have a right lower jaw that is white, whereas the lower jaw of a sei whale is dark on both sides.

Fin whales are a rorqual whale, meaning they have a pleated throat. They are able to take in up to an incredible 70 tonnes of food-rich saltwater into their extended throat and then use their baleen to sieve out the food as they expel saltwater.

Little is known about the breeding behaviours and areas of the fin whale. It is believed that it happens in lower latitudes during the winter months, but as of yet, no breeding ‘grounds’ for fin whales have been found. It is possible that due to the long-distance communication fin whales are capable of, they may not need a specific geographical location in order to find breeding partners.

Both sexes are estimated to reach sexual maturity between 5-15 years of age and females appear to have a calf every 2-3 years. Their gestation is between 11-12 months, after which the calves are weaned at 6-7 months.

Hybridization between fin and blue whales is not uncommon. Hybridization can happen between either sex of either species, and it is yet unknown the reproductive capacity of these hybrids.

Fin whales appear to have a long lifespan between 50-100 years, with females growing slightly (5-10%) larger than males, though at a slower rate. 

The fin whale is designated as Threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). COSEWIC’s assessment of the Pacific population of the fin whale is as follows:

Currently sighted only infrequently on former whaling grounds off British Columbia. Coastal whaling took at least 7,600 animals from the population between 1905 and 1967, and thousands of additional animals were taken by pelagic whalers through the 1970s. Catch rates from coastal whaling stations declined precipitously off British Columbia in the 1960s. Based on the severe depletion and lack of sufficient time for recovery, it is inferred that present population is below 50% of its level, 60-90 years ago. Individuals continue to be at risk from ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.