Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). This whale is found in the Southern hemisphere, spending the winter in tropical waters and migrating

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Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). This whale is found in the Southern hemisphere, spending the winter in tropical waters and migrating to cooler polar oceans for the rest of the year. It can grow up to metres in length and weigh 13 tonnes, with females being larger than males. It has up to 300 large bristly baleen plates hanging down from its jaws. It feeds by swallowing sea water and then pressing its tongue against the plates, pushing the water out and trapping krill and fish. It is usually solitary, but may be found in groups of 2 or 3, although many minkes may congregate at feeding sites. Photographed in Paradise Bay, Antarctica.

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Size: 5120px × 3413px
Photo credit: © STEVE ALLEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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