Minke Whale
Balænoptera acuto-rostrata

f5.6 @ 1/400s, ISO:100, Nikon D80 w 80-200mm @ 155mm

\"Minke Whale,\" Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The minke whales are the second smallest baleen whale; only the pygmy right whale is smaller. Upon reaching sexual maturity (6–8 years of age), males measure an average of 6.9 m (23 ft) and females 7.4 m (24 ft) in length, respectively. Reported maximum lengths vary from 9.1 to 10.7 m (30 to 35 ft) for females and 8.8 to 9.8 m (29 to 32 ft) for males. Both sexes typically weigh 4–5 t (3.9–4.9 long tons; 4.4–5.5 short tons) at sexual maturity, and the maximum weight may be as much as 10 t (9.8 long tons; 11 short tons).

Stellwagen Bank, Massachusetts

08/04/2007