A blue whale's size varies depending on location, but they can generally range from 70 to over 100 feet long and weigh between 100,000 to over 330,000 pounds.
Blue Whale Size Variations
The size of a blue whale isn't uniform across the entire species. Different populations in different oceans exhibit variations.
- North Atlantic and North Pacific: Blue whales in these regions typically reach lengths of around 90 feet and weigh over 100,000 pounds.
- Antarctic: The Antarctic blue whale is the largest of the subspecies. They can reach lengths of up to 110 feet and weigh more than 330,000 pounds.
Male vs. Female Size
Like many other baleen whales, female blue whales are usually larger than males. This size difference is an example of sexual dimorphism.
Size in Perspective
To put their size in perspective:
- A blue whale's heart is roughly the size of a small car.
- Their tongues can weigh as much as an elephant.
- Newborn blue whale calves can weigh up to 3 tons and measure around 25 feet long.
Summary
Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth. While their average size is around 80-100 feet, Antarctic blue whales can be the largest, reaching up to 110 feet. Their massive size underscores the incredible diversity and scale of life in our oceans.
