The Blue whale is a marine mammal and is classified as the largest animal on the planet. As a type of baleen whale, it belongs to the family Balaenopteridae. Blue whales can reach lengths of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and can weigh as much as 200 tons (approximately 180,000 kilograms). They are known for their distinctive blue-gray coloration with lighter mottling patterns. Blue whales primarily feed on small shrimp-like animals called krill, consuming vast amounts during feeding seasons. Their massive size and unique behavior make them a fascinating subject of marine biology studies.