Portal:Cetaceans/Selected Article/November, 2006

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The Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus), also called the Finback Whale, is a mammal which belongs to the baleen whales suborder. It is the second largest whale and also the second largest animal living, after the Blue Whale. The Fin Whale can grow to nearly 27 metres (88 ft) long. It is found in all the world's major oceans, and in waters ranging from the polar to the tropical. It is absent only from waters close to the ice pack at both the north and south poles and relatively small areas of water away from the large oceans. The highest population density occurs in temperate and cool waters. The Fin Whale was heavily hunted during the twentieth century and is listed as an endangered species. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has issued a moratorium on commercial hunting of this whale.

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