Rorqual whales are relatively streamlined in appearance and have pointed heads and small pointed fins. They can be distinguished from other whales by many (25–90) deep groves along their throats that expand when they feed. There are 8 species of rorqual whales, as follows:

• Antarctic minke (Balaenoptera bonaerensis)
• Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
• Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei)
• Eden's whale (Balaenoptera edeni)
• Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
• Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
• Northern minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
• Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis)