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The bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is a species of baleen whale belonging to the family Balaenidae and is the only living representative of the genus Balaena. It is the only baleen whale endemic to the Arctic and subarctic waters, and is named after its characteristic massive triangular skull, which it uses to break through Arctic ice.
Bowhead whales are one of the few whale species that reside almost exclusively in Arctic and subarctic waters experiencing seasonal sea ice coverage, primarily between 60° and 75° north latitude. Of all large whales, the bowhead is the most adapted to life in icy water.
Bowhead whales are capable of breaking through sea ice at least seven inches thick with their large skulls and powerful bodies. Adult bowheads are entirely black except the front part of the lower jaw which is white and prominently upturned.
Found in both northern Atlantic and Pacific waters, the species has evolved thick skin and blubber for insulation and a source of energy reserves, an enormous, strong and bowed head that can break through ice up to 1m thick, and an ability to stay under water for over an hour at a time to swim beneath the ice 1,2.
Clocking in at 75-100 tons, bowhead whales are among the heaviest animals on Earth, second only to the blue whale. They are baleen whales, which means instead of teeth, they have about 350 large baleen plates that filter seawater so they can eat small animals like zooplankton.
The bowhead whale is the second heaviest animal on the Earth, next to the blue whale. Inuit hunters have reported Bowhead whales surfacing through 60 cm (24 in) of ice. The Bowhead whale has a thick layer of blubber that protects it from the freezing cold Arctic waters.
Bowhead whales inhabit the cold and icy waters of the Arctic and subarctic regions. These majestic giants are one of the largest whale species, second only to the blue whale. They can grow to lengths of up to 20 meters and weigh anywhere between 75 and 100 tonnes.
Remarkable bowhead whales are the longest-living mammals on earth, reaching over 200 years of age. The only baleen whales to spend their entire lives in Arctic seas, bowhead whales are masters of their icy kingdoms.
Bowhead whales and whale watching. Generally, as a 'shy species' located in remote regions of the Arctic and subarctic, bowhead whales are not often billed as the target of whale watching operations. They can be viewed during day-trips from a few locations in Canada (e.g. Baffin Island).
With a lifespan of over 200 years, the bowhead whale is thought to be the world’s longest living mammal. It’s also one of the largest living animals, and the animal with the largest mouth. Continue reading to find out more about this fascinating species...