Meet the Chilean Blue Whale

The Chilean blue whale is one of the largest animals ever known, reaching up to 30 meters in length and weighing as much as 180 tons. Chilean waters, especially near Chiloé and the Gulf of Corcovado, serve as one of the most important feeding areas for this species.

Unlike what many think, blue whales are peaceful, slow-moving giants that rely entirely on food no bigger than a fingernail. Their presence in Chile reflects the richness of the southeastern Pacific ecosystem.

Behavior & Social Life

Blue whales are mostly solitary, but sometimes travel in pairs or small groups. They communicate through low-frequency calls that can travel hundreds of kilometers underwater.

Interactive: Whale Sound Types

• Feeding call: Short, deep pulses used during krill hunts.
• Navigation call: Helps whales orient through dark waters.
• Social call: Used between mothers and calves.

How the Chilean Blue Whale Eats

Even though they are enormous, blue whales feed almost exclusively on krill. They can consume up to 3 tons of krill per day during feeding season.

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Blue whales use “lunge feeding,” rushing into krill swarms with open mouths.

Conservation Status

The Chilean blue whale is classified as Endangered. Commercial whaling almost drove them to extinction in the 20th century. Today, their biggest threats include:

• Ship collisions
• Fishing gear entanglement
• Noise pollution
• Climate change affecting krill availability

Interactive Checklist