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)

Atlantic white-sided dolphin
(Leucopleurus acutus)

Dugong
(Dugong dugon)

False killer whale
(Pseudorca crassidens)

Risso's dolphin
(Grampus griseus)

Southern right whale
(Eubalaena australis)

Sperm whale
(Physeter macrocephalus)

Spinner dolphin
(Stenella longirostris)

Our latestUpdates

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.

Friday, January 23rd 2026

Dolphins: ocean's smartest creatures

Discover dolphins, the ocean's geniuses: explore their intelligence, social behavior, sophisticated communication, species diversity and vital role in marine ecosystems.

Friday, January 9th 2026

Hvar island

Hvar, a jewel of the Adriatic, captivates with its turquoise waters, wild coves and fragrant lavender fields. Between medieval villages, lively ports, and lush hills, Hvar island offers the perfect mix of relaxation, culture and breathtaking landscapes. Ideal for sun, sea and authentic experiences.

Photo of the Day

Crevette des coraux mous Xenia
(Alcyonohippolyte commensalis)