Sealife guideThe dwarf minke whaleBalaenoptera acutorostrata

Last updated on 08/26/2024 at 05:46 PM

The dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) © Uko Gorter

Taxonomy

Common name: Dwarf minke whale
French name: Baleine de minke naine, rorqual mineur, rorqual à rostre, rorqual à museau pointu, petit rorqual, balenoptere a bec aigu, baleine d'été
Scientific name: Balaenoptera acutorostrata (Lacépède, 1804)
Family name: Balaenopteridae
Order name: Cetacea
Class name: Sea mammals [Mammalia]

Did you know ?

The dwarf minke whale is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The dwarf minke whale appears in the IUCN Red List since 2018 within the category Least Concern !

The dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) © Jemma Craig | Dreamstime.com

Within the same genus

Fin whale
(Balaenoptera physalus)

Within the same family

Humpback whale
(Megaptera novaeangliae)

Discover also

Atlantic spotted dolphin
(Stenella frontalis)

Beluga
(Delphinapterus leucas)

Commerson's dolphin
(Cephalorhynchus commersonii)

Harbor seal
(Phoca vitulina)

Narwhal
(Monodon monoceros)

Risso's dolphin
(Grampus griseus)

Short-beaked common dolphin
(Delphinus delphis)

White headed dolphin
(Cephalorhynchus hectori)

Our latestUpdates

Monday, March 2nd 2026

The blueface angelfish

The blueface angelfish is a very colorful fish of the tropical coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, recognizable by its bright blue head and its bluish body finely reticulated with yellow.

Wednesday, February 18th 2026

The Atlantic tarpon

The Atlantic tarpon is a large coastal fish that can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh over 330 pounds, with a silvery body covered in large, reflective scales. Known as the Silver King, it is famous for its spectacular leaps and fierce fight when hooked by sport fishermen.

Friday, January 30th 2026

The dugong

Discover the dugong, a gentle “sea cow” of tropical waters. Learn about its habitat, diet, reproduction, morphology, and the threats facing this unique marine mammal.

Photo of the Day

Gorgone rouge
(Paramuricea clavata)