* No Complete Muscle Count: Scientists haven't conducted a full muscle count on every whale species. This is a complex and time-consuming process.
* Species Variations: Muscle numbers vary even within the same species based on size, age, and individual differences.
* Muscle Function: Some muscles are very small and may not be counted as individual muscles.
However, we can say:
* Whales have a complex muscular system: They have a wide variety of muscles for swimming, breathing, communication, and other functions.
* Muscles are adapted for their environment: Whales have specialized muscles for powerful swimming, like the flukes (tail) and pectoral fins.
* Some muscles are unique to whales: For example, the "melon" in toothed whales is a fatty structure used for echolocation, and it's surrounded by specialized muscles.
In short, while we don't have an exact number, it's safe to say that whales have a vast and complex muscular system adapted for their aquatic life.