How many people would a blue-whale feed?

A single blue whale consumes an average of 4-8 tons (3.6 to 7.3 metric tons) of krill per day during the peak feeding season. Krill are small shrimp-like crustaceans that form massive swarms in the ocean. To put this in perspective, one ton is approximately equivalent to the weight of a small car.

During the peak feeding season, a blue whale can consume up to 16 tons (14.5 metric tons) of krill per day. Blue whales are known for their efficient feeding habits. They use their massive mouths and specialized structures called baleen plates to filter enormous quantities of seawater, catching the krill while expelling the water.

To provide some additional context, the weight of a blue whale's tongue alone can be comparable to the weight of an average-sized elephant, which typically weighs around 3 to 5 tons.

Given these consumption patterns and the average weight of an adult, a single blue whale could potentially provide food for hundreds or even thousands of people in a single day, depending on the portion sizes and specific dietary needs. However, it's worth noting that the conservation of these majestic marine mammals and the balance of marine ecosystems are of utmost importance, and any discussion of their potential food value must be mindful of the broader ecological context.