- Scientific name: Balaenoptera physalus
- Length: 59 – 73 feet
- Weight: 40 – 80 tons
- Population seen in the Northeast*: over 2,000
- Status: Endangered
- Description: Extremely large, dark whale with a falcate dorsal fin approximately 2/3 down the back. Asymmetrically colored with a white jaw line only on the right side. Light colored swirling pattern that extends from the eye up toward the dorsal fin (more noticeable on the right side). Single ridge runs from the snout to the blowholes.Typically arches its back and tail stock prior to a sounding dive. Tall and column-like spout. Generally indifferent to boats.
* Western North Atlantic Population
