Fin Whale ID Fact Sheet

Name: Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

Local Names: Finner, Finback

SARA Status: Special Concern

Size: Adults are 18-22 metres long and weigh 27-73 tonnes

Diet: Krill and other crustaceans, small fish and squid

When you might see it: year-round, although they are more commonly seen from
early spring to late fall.

Where you might see it: throughout the region (especially the southeast coast of Newfoundland or the south coast of
Labrador); usually in offshore waters, or deep nearshore waters when fish are present.

Notes: This large whale is unique in having asymmetrical colouration; its lower right jaw and baleen are white whereas the left is dark. They are very fast swimmers, and are often seen in small groups.