Marine Biology (2+1)

Feeding

         

           Most large whales eat about four per cent of their body weight per day while in summer feeding grounds, less in wintering areas. Smaller toothed  whales, such as dolphins and porpoises, may consume ten per cent body weight per day.

          Baleen whales feed on krill, copepods, squid and small schooling fish by swallowing or skimming. Usually a large mouthful of water and food is engulfed at one time, and the water is forced out through the baleen. Right whales and occasionally sei whales feed by swimming at the surface with the mouth open, simultaneously sieving out food particles (skimming). Dense concentrations of prey organisms, often ten to 100 times higher than that found in surrounding areas, are required for baleen whales to feed effectively, and the distribution of whales in our waters is centred around these highly productive areas. Toothed whales feed primarily on fish, though squid, octopus and larger crustaceans are also eaten. Killer Whales occasionally feed on seals, smaller whales or pelagic birds.