What Food Do Whales Eat

Whales off the coast of Newport Beach primarily feed on krill and small fish. The specific diet depends on the species of whale encountered in that area. Here are some common whale species found in the waters near Newport Beach and their typical food sources:

• Gray Whales: Gray whales are known as bottom-feeders and primarily feed on tiny crustaceans called amphipods, which they filter out of the sediment on the ocean floor. They use their baleen plates to filter the food from the water.
• Blue Whales: Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth and are filter feeders. They consume massive amounts of krill, which are tiny shrimp-like organisms. Blue whales swim with their mouths open, engulfing large volumes of water, and then filter out the krill using their baleen plates.
• Humpback Whales: Humpback whales also feed on krill, as well as small fish such as herring, anchovies, and sardines. They are known for their acrobatic hunting techniques, such as bubble-net feeding, where they blow bubbles to corral and concentrate fish before lunging through the center of the bubble net with their mouths open.
• Fin Whales: Fin whales, like blue whales, are filter feeders that primarily consume krill. They are also known to eat small schooling fish, such as anchovies and herring.

It's important to note that these whales are migratory, and their diet can vary depending on the season and location. The availability of food in the area will influence their feeding patterns.

 

Reserve your whale-watching trip!

Make your online reservation below, or call (949) 675-0551 to reserve.

---