: The only large whale that lives in the Arctic year-round.
The bowhead whale ( Balaena mysticetus ) is an Arctic powerhouse, known for its record-breaking lifespan and incredible physical adaptations to the freezing north. Key Characteristics
: They have massive, reinforced skulls that can break through sea ice up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) thick—and some reports suggest up to 2 feet—to reach air.
: As filter feeders, they have the longest baleen plates of any whale, reaching up to 4 meters (13 feet) .
