Suborder: Mysticeti Family: Balaenopteridae
March to October
ID characteristics
Large, slender, dark body with paler undersides. V-shaped head with a single, central, longitudinal ridge. Tall dorsal fin with variable shape but commonly sickle-shaped
Flukes look small when compared to body size
Surface behaviour
Often swims close to surface with blow and dorsal fin visible simultaneously When diving does not arch much its back and never shows flukes
Normally associated with large feeding frenzies of seabirds
Distribution
Worldwide, between parallels 65º North and 60º South.
Mainly in deep, temperate waters but can reach subarctic and subantarctic in summer.
Social
1 to 5 individuals together
Diet
Fish, squid, krill and crustaceans
Biometrics
Max length: 21 m
Adult weight: 20 to 30 ton
Blow
A narrow spray up to 3 meters high
IUCN Status:
Madeira frequency status:
Other languages common names
ENG - Coalfish Whale, Pollack Whale, Rudophi's Rorqual, Sardine Whale GER - Seiwal FRA - Baleinoptère de Rudolphi, Rorqual Boréal, Rorqual de Rudolphi, Rorqual de Sei ESP - Ballena Sei, Rorcual Boreal, Rorcual de Rudolphi, Rorcual Norteno SWE - Sejval DAN - Sejhval ITA - Balenottera boreale, Balaenoptera borealis NED - Noordse vinvis NOR - Seikval, Seihval POL - Sejwal
POR - Baleia-sardinheira Baleia boreal, Baleia glacial ou Baleia-sei
