The blue whale is the largest animal on earth and also one of the most amazing. These beautiful creatures can be found in all oceans around the world, feeding on small shrimp-like creatures called krill. Here are 10 amazing facts about the majestic blue whale.

1. They are the largest animals on earth

Blue whales can grow up to 98 feet long and weigh up to 200 tons, making them the largest animals on earth. Their hearts can weigh as much as a car and their tongues are so big that up to 50 people could stand on them.

2. They have unique vocalizations

Blue whales create unique vocalizations that can reach up to 188 decibels, louder than a jet engine. These calls can be heard by other blue whales up to 1,000 miles away and are used for communication and mating.

3. They have a long lifespan

Blue whales can live up to 90 years, although most of them do not reach that age due to hunting and other human activities.

4. They are not blue

Despite their name, blue whales are not actually blue. They are mostly gray, with a mottled appearance caused by the barnacles and other creatures that grow on their skin.

5. Their hearts are the size of a small car

The blue whale’s heart is the largest of any animal, weighing up to 1,000 pounds and capable of pumping 60 to 90 gallons of blood per beat.

6. Their diet consists entirely of krill

Blue whales feed on krill, consuming up to 8,000 pounds of the tiny shrimp-like creatures per day.

7. They have a unique feeding technique

To catch krill, blue whales open their mouths as wide as possible – often up to 90 degrees – and then filter the water through their baleen plates, which act like a sieve to trap the krill.

8. They can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes

Blue whales can spend up to 30 minutes underwater before coming up for air. When they do surface, they exhale a blast of air and water that can reach up to 30 feet high.

9. They migrate long distances

Blue whales can migrate long distances – up to 10,000 miles – from their breeding grounds in warm waters to their feeding grounds in colder waters.

10. They are endangered

Blue whales were hunted almost to extinction in the early 20th century and are still at risk from human activities, including pollution, climate change, and collisions with ships. Today, there are an estimated 10,000 to 25,000 blue whales left in the world.

In conclusion, the majestic blue whale is an awe-inspiring creature that deserves our respect and protection. As the largest animal on earth and a vital part of our ocean ecosystems, they are truly amazing in every way.