Sardine Run Infographics: A Whale Tale
20 Jul
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It’s the final instalment of our fact-filled Sardine Run infographics and we’ve saved the biggest for last. Introducing the Bryde’s whale (pronounced broo-duhz whale). These massive marine mammals don’t waste any time when it comes to feasting on bountiful sardine shoals. They have been known to rise up from beneath baitballs and gulp up the entire silvery meal in a single go, leaving little leftovers for the dolphins, sharks and gannets.
As members of the baleen family (of which the blue whale is probably the most famous) Bryde’s whales have no teeth. Instead they have large baleen plates which they use to strain water as they press their tongue against the roof of the mouth when capturing prey. Folds of skin allow the whale’s mouth to expand immensely so it can swallow a huge number of fish in a single gulp. In short, Bryde’s whales mean business!
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