1. Open Mouth: They open their enormous mouths, which can be up to 10 feet wide!
2. Take in Water: They engulf huge amounts of water containing krill, small fish, and other tiny organisms.
3. Close Mouth: They close their mouths and push the water out through baleen plates, which are like giant combs made of keratin (the same material as our fingernails).
4. Filter Food: The baleen plates trap the krill and other food, allowing the water to escape through the sides of the mouth.
5. Swallow: The whale then swallows the concentrated food.
Key facts about blue whale feeding:
* Massive Amounts: A single blue whale can eat up to 4 tons of krill per day!
* Seasonal Migration: Blue whales follow krill migrations, often traveling thousands of miles to find their food.
* Surface Feeding: They typically feed near the surface, often in groups called pods.
* Unique Vocalizations: Blue whales make loud, deep calls, which scientists believe may be used for communication during feeding.
Fun Fact: Blue whales can filter up to 6,000 gallons of water in a single gulp!