121217 Minke Whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata Length 8-10m (Pronounced Minky). Smallest baleen whale but still large and impressive. Tail is not revealed when animal dives. Feeds on shoaling fish. Adult is streamlined with narrow, pointed snout. Upperparts are dark grey; underparts are whitish and broad bands of paler colouration extend up flanks and sometimes visible on animals at surface. Curved dorsal fin is set far back on body. Single ridge runs from nostrils to tip of rostrum. Has diagnostic, broad white spot or band on upper surface of flipper; easily seen in swimming animals.
