The minke whale has a great deal of variation in appearance. The minke whale is now the only baleen whale being hunted commercially. Other names include pikehead, little piked whale, and pike whale. The minke whale is present in the Southern California Bight throughout the year.

Brief Description:

• Color: Black, dark gray, or brown in some areas. White, or pale gray and brown underside.

• Dorsal: Dorsal fin is positioned far behind center. Dorsal fin is tallest-relative to body size of all baleen whales.

• Body: Sharply pointed snout, relatively short flippers with pointed tips. The body itself is fairly streamlined. Adults reach 33 feet and can weigh 10 tons.

• Migration: Higher latitudes during Summer, and lower during Winter. Found worldwide; however, less common in the Tropics. Migrations vary from year to year.

• Habitat: Often in estuaries, bays, and inlets.

Feeding, behavior and interesting facts:

Minke whales use their baleen to catch small fish, copepods and Krill.

They have often been seen breaching, leaving the water at about 45 degrees and ending with a belly flop or head first. A minke whale's flukes does not raise on a dive. A common pattern of 2 or 3 breaches can usually be observed.

Minke whales are often difficult to approach, however, thier behavior often reveals them to be quite curious near boats. They move underwater in any direction without notice and can disappear very easily, remaining underwater for as long as 20 minutes.