What Do Whales Eat?

Baleen Whales

Baleen whales filter small organisms from the water. Their diet includes:

  • Krill: Tiny crustaceans that live in large swarms.
  • Plankton: Microscopic organisms floating in the water.
  • Small fish: Such as herring, sardines, and anchovies.
  • Squid: Some species, like humpback whales, eat squid.

Toothed Whales

Toothed whales hunt larger prey. Their diet includes:

  • Fish: Ranging from small fish to large sharks.
  • Squid: A common food source for many toothed whales.
  • Other marine mammals: Orcas may prey on seals, sea lions, and even other whales.
  • Seabirds: Some dolphins occasionally eat seabirds.
  • Octopuses: Sperm whales are known to eat octopuses.

Each whale species has its own unique diet based on size, habitat, and hunting strategies.