Home » Calving Interval and Gestation Period — Mysticeti (Baleen Whales)
Mysticeti — the great baleen whales — have long reproductive cycles and gestations of around 10 to 12 months. The North Atlantic right whale stands out with the longest calving interval (4 years), reflecting the intense maternal investment and slow recovery of this critically endangered species. Bryde’s whale has the shortest recorded interval (1 year), distinguishing it from the rest of the group. Gestations are remarkably uniform across species, ranging only between 10 and 12 months.
Chart: Calving interval (years) and gestation period (months) — Mysticeti
| Species | Calving Interval | Gestation |
|---|---|---|
| North Atlantic right whale | 4 years | 12 months |
| Blue whale | 2.5 years | 11.5 months |
| Fin whale | 2.5 years | 11 months |
| Humpback whale | 2.5 years | 11.5 months |
| Sei whale | 2.5 years | 12 months |
| Minke whale | 1.5 years | 10 months |
| Bryde’s whale | 1 year | 11.5 months |
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