Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) are the largest animals ever to have lived on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and weights of up to 200 tonnes. These massive baleen whales have long, streamlined bodies that appear bluish-gray when seen from above and lighter underneath. Despite their immense size, blue whales are graceful swimmers, moving efficiently through the ocean with powerful tail strokes. Their deep, resonant calls can travel for miles underwater, making them one of the loudest animals on the planet. Feeding primarily on tiny krill, a single blue whale can consume up to 4 tonnes of these crustaceans daily during peak feeding season.
