Silver whale
| Silver whale | |
|---|---|
| |
| Adult silver whale (Balaenoptera argentus) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia
|
| Phylum: | Chordata
|
| Class: | Mammalia
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| Order: | Artiodactyla
|
| Infraorder: | Cetacea
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| Family: | Balaenopteridae
|
| Genus: | Megaptera
|
| Species: | M. argenteus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Megaptera argenteus S.Y. Cho, 1872
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
The silver whale (Megaptera argenteus) is a species of baleen whale. It is a rorqual (a member of the family Balaenopteridae) and along with the humpback whale is one of the two species in the genus Megaptera. Adults range in length from 11–15 m (36–49 ft) and can weigh up to 35 metric tons. The silver whale is known for its pale coloration which derives from a naturally selected preference for albinism. The whale is commonly found off the eastern coast of Hesperida, and populations have been sighted in the Albarine Sea, Promethean Sea, and Tenebric Ocean. Silver whale populations migrate less than their peer species, as their pale coat leads them to favor relatively warmer waters even in the summertime. The silver whale is listed as vulnerable, as it has long been a target for poachers, although legislation to protect the species has been passed by many nations. Their distinctive coloration makes it a must-see for many whale watchers, and various whale-based tourism agencies have sprouted up as a result. The silver whale is the national animal of Haesan.