Fin whale
Balaenoptera physalus
According to Tristan folklore, seeing a whale offshore is a sign of fine weather approaching.
The fin whale is the fastest of the great whales travelling to speeds of 23mph. They prefer to travel alone rather than in large pods. Its beautiful blueish grey colour and slenderness is what differentiates it from other baleen whales. Although having a very slender body it is the second largest whale after the Blue whale. Its diet in the Southern Hemisphere consists mainly of krill. Fin whales can be seen in the offshore waters around Tristan on their way to and from the Antarctic feeding grounds.
IUCN Status – Vulnerable
Length – Up to 26m
Weight – Up to 80 tons
Reproduction – Every 2-3 years
Sightings around Tristan islands – can be seen in the offshore waters around Tristan
Marine life on Tristan
The waters surrounding the Tristan islands are home to a diverse range of fish and invertebrates, including the commercially valuable crayfish.