Baleen Whales: These whales have baleen plates instead of teeth. They filter feed, straining small organisms from the water.
* Krill: Tiny crustaceans, a major food source for many baleen whales.
* Copepods: Another type of small crustacean.
* Plankton: Microscopic organisms, including phytoplankton and zooplankton.
* Small fish: Some baleen whales also eat small fish, like herring and anchovies.
Toothed Whales: These whales have teeth and use them to hunt prey.
* Fish: Many toothed whales eat fish, including cod, salmon, and tuna.
* Squid: A favorite prey for many toothed whales, especially giant squid for sperm whales.
* Octopus: Some toothed whales, like the pygmy sperm whale, specialize in hunting octopus.
* Mammals: Some toothed whales, like orcas, hunt other marine mammals, like seals and sea lions.
* Seabirds: Orcas and other toothed whales have been known to prey on seabirds.
Specific Examples:
* Blue Whale: The largest animal on Earth, it eats primarily krill.
* Humpback Whale: Feeds mainly on krill and small fish.
* Sperm Whale: Hunts giant squid and other cephalopods.
* Orca: A top predator that hunts a wide variety of prey, including fish, seals, sea lions, and other whales.
* Dolphin: Eats fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Note: The specific diet of a whale can vary based on its location, time of year, and availability of prey.