Below is a list of some of the most popular known whale species.

Each whale has its own unique characteristics and interesting facts.

You will also find links below that will provide you with more information about each species.

Gray Whale

In terms of appearance the gray whale is a dark grayish slate color with white patches covering its body.

During the whaling era this species was hunted largely for its oil.

At one point the gray whale suffered from near extinction, but has since made a strong recovery.

These whales can be found swimming in the eastern and western pacific oceans.

For more information on gray whales read: Gray Whale Facts

Sperm Whale

The sperm whale is the largest of the toothed whale species growing to lengths of up to 67 ft.

This whale gets its name from the spermaceti organ located in its head.

At first it was believed that this organ was responsible for producing sperm due to the oil it secreted which very much resembles the appearance of sperm, but scientists discovered that this is not the case.

Unfortunately they are still unsure of what this organ is responsible for however scientists have hypothesized that the oil may play a role in helping the whale adjust its buoyancy in the water so that it can dive and rise more effectively.

If you would like to learn more about the sperm whale then read: Sperm Whale Facts

Blue Whale

The name “blue whale” comes from the fact that when this whale is submerged underwater it appears to be a purely blue color.

What makes this whale so popular is its extremely large size.

This massive whale is the largest living animal in existence growing to lengths in excess of 100 ft!

These whales can be found traveling throughout all of the worlds major oceans.

To learn more about the blue whale check out this article: Blue Whale Facts

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales are well-known for their majestic whale sounds which are often referred to as whale songs.

These songs are strikingly similar to music composed by humans and can be heard many miles away.

One of the things that fascinate scientists about this species is how they can be found singing in harmony together, even when separated by great distances.

Aside from their beautiful harmonic sounds they are also known for their acrobatic nature.

These whales are able to spy hop and continuously leaping out of the water despite their large size.

If you would like to read more about the humpback whale check out: humpback whale

Beluga Whale

The beluga whale can be found swimming in shallow coastal waters in the arctic.

These whales are all white and are one of the smallest species of whale in existence growing to lengths of 9 – 16 ft.

Due to their small size they are able to be held in captivity and have become very popular at some aquatic shows.

They are extremely social creatures and can be seen swimming in pods of up to several hundred whales.

To learn more about the beluga whale check out this article: Beluga Whale Facts

BONUS

Killer Whale

The killer whale is one of the most popular cetaceans in existence.

Despite the name “killer whale” this species is actually a dolphin.

In fact it is the largest dolphin in existence hence being given the name “whale”.

These dolphins are capable of eating everything from fish, squid and octopus to seals, sharks and large whales, and are sometimes referred to as the wolves of the sea.

They are extremely social animals that spend almost their entire lives together.

Even though their diet includes eating marine mammals killer whales appear to be friendly and playful towards people in captivity or at least not concerned with hunting and eating people.

Attacks on humans have happened in captivity, but this is rare and in no cases we’re any humans ever eaten.

For more information on killer whales check out: killer whale