The fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), also known as finback whale or common rorqual and formerly known as herring whale or razorback whale. It is the second-largest species on Earth after the blue whale. The fin whale's body is long and slender, coloured brownish-grey with a paler underside. The largest reportedly grow to 27.3 m, weighing in at a maximum recorded weight of nearly 74 tonnes.

In late winter, early spring the whales are on their migration north past Malta and can be seen along the south coast of Malta and south west of Gozo.

​