Gray whales are magnificent marine mammals known for their extensive migrations and unique feeding habits. These baleen whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling thousands of miles between their Arctic feeding grounds and warmer breeding lagoons. Their physical characteristics, including a mottled gray appearance and a lack of a dorsal fin, set them apart.
Adult Gray Whale Dimensions
Adult gray whales are large, with females typically larger than males. An average adult gray whale can reach lengths of about 45 to 49 feet (13.7 to 14.9 meters). Some individuals can even extend to a maximum length of 50 feet (15.2 meters). In terms of weight, these whales commonly range from 30 to 40 tons (27,215 to 36,287 kilograms). However, some can weigh as much as 45 to 50 short tons (40,823 to 45,359 kilograms).
How Gray Whale Size Compares
To better understand the scale of a gray whale, it helps to consider comparisons to familiar objects and other marine animals. A full-grown gray whale, at approximately 45 to 50 feet long, is roughly the length of a standard school bus, which is typically around 45 feet long. In terms of weight, a gray whale weighing 35 to 40 tons is comparable to the weight of 10 large elephants, with one elephant averaging around 7 tons.
Within the marine world, gray whales are sizable, though not the largest. They are considerably smaller than a blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, which can reach lengths of up to 98 feet (30 meters) and weigh over 173 tons. Gray whales are also generally shorter and can weigh less than humpback whales, which can reach up to 62 feet and 200,000 pounds. However, they are larger than many other whale species, such as the minke whale, which averages 23-26 feet in length.
Gray Whale Calf Growth
Gray whale calves are born at a substantial size, typically measuring between 14 to 16 feet (4.2 to 4.9 meters) in length and weighing around 1,100 to 2,000 pounds (500 to 907 kilograms). These newborns have a dark gray to black coloration. During their nursing period, which lasts approximately seven to eight months, calves experience rapid growth. The mother’s milk is exceptionally rich, containing about 53% fat, and calves can consume up to 50 gallons of this milk daily. This high-fat diet enables them to gain a significant amount of weight, often 60 to 70 pounds (27 to 32 kilograms) each day, building up a crucial blubber layer for their journey north to colder feeding grounds.
Calves can nearly double their length and multiply their body mass by eight times during this nursing period. They reach about two-thirds of their maximum body length by the time they are weaned. Sexual maturity for gray whales typically occurs between 6 and 12 years of age, with physical maturity continuing to develop until around 30 years.