Common Name
Fin Whale
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Balaenopteridae
Species Name
Balaenoptera physalus
Status
Endangered
States
California
Distribution
Worldwide: arctic to tropical waters
Notes
One of the more commonly seen large whales in the W. North Pacific. Also one of the fastest whales; can travel at 20 mph. Favors continental shelf waters, but also found in coastal and offshore waters; less common in tropical waters.