Diet

Food includes oceanic fishes and krill (shrimp-like animals which form enormous schools), which are engulfed within the pleated, highly expandable throat. The Dwarf Minke Whale appears to be more of a fish feeder than its southern friend the Antarctic Minke Whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) who predominantly feeds on krill.

Behaviour

Dwarf Minke Whales are active, highly manoeuvrable whales, which can swim at 12 knots for at least short bursts and may dive to at least 140 metres. Most sightings are of a single or pair, but groups of over 20 whales may occur around a boat during a single encounter. They are regularly seen breaching (jumping from the water) on the northern Great Barrier Reef. They are known to approach anchored or drifting vessels and may remain with the vessel and swimmers for several hours. They usually surface once for a breath and dive for periods from half a minute to nearly twelve minutes.

Life History

Calves are about 2m long at birth. Newly born animals have been seen, mostly in April to June, from Victoria to southern Queensland (near Fraser Island and Lady Elliot Island). Young calves have also been seen on the northern Great Barrier Reef, but there are still few confirmed records there. Calves are probably weaned by 6 months of age. Longevity is unknown but other kinds of Minke whales may live for 60 years.

Habitat

Dwarf Minke Whales are very widespread but may have a complex population structure. Sightings suggest they have a more coastal distribution than Antarctic Minke Whales.

Special Features or Habits

The Dwarf Minke Whale has the most complex colour pattern of any Baleen Whale. The combination of colour patterns noted above conclusively identifies the Dwarf Minke Whale.

Location or Region Found

Known only from the Southern Hemisphere. Recorded from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and eastern coast of South America during the months March to December. There are scattered records from the sub-Antarctic during December to March.