Slow-Whale

Slow-whales are a species of cetacean native to the Frozen Volcanoes of Ocearia, around the South Pole. They are famed for numerous shipwrecks that have occurred in this region, with tourist boats crashing into these whales floating on the water's surface. They are one of the largest megafauna in the region, rivalling apex predators. Nothing can take down an adult slow-whale.

Small populations around the Frozen Volcanoes don't necessarily worship slow-whales, but do hold them in high regard. They are seen as a "pure species", simply one that is harmless.

Anatomy

It's almost impossible to distinguish between a sleeping slow-whale and an iceberg at night. That's why you sail as slow as possible.

— Skilled sailor

Slow-whale are long and round, with a blubbery, barrel shaped body. They are a deep blue in colour, with greyish white markings around the back and fins. Females have a hint of yellow around the eyes and tail flukes. During breeding seasons these yellow markings glow.

Over millions of years, the fins and flippers of slow-whales have shrunk considerably. Flippers measure at just a metre - these animals rely almost entirely on their tail to swim. Even then, swimming is clumsy and slow-whales struggle to steer.

Reproduction & Growth

Collect a Sticker!

On your tourist ship, a young man is handing out small decorative stickers to all passengers. Better add it to Your Stickerbook!

Click to collect sticker: Ocearia

Slow-whales are not attentive parents, nor are they enthusiastic breeders. Mating takes several hours, as neither move particularly fast. Slow-whales give birth tail first, to prevent the calf from drowning. These whales only give birth to one calf at a time, and will wait until it leaves the protection of parents before having another. Typically, slow-whales will have three to five calves in a lifetime.

Calves have an innate instinct to swim to the surface, upon being born. They spend the first five weeks of their lives bobbing along the surface, feasting on surface growing algaes. Parents hang about in deeper waters, attempting to protect the calf. Unfortunately, they are too slow to stop predators, and have not figured out that keeping closer to their offspring gives it better chances of survival.

Diet

Spikekelp by Mochi

Slow-whales are well adjusted to eating spikekelp. Their gums are thick enough that the kelp can't puncture it, and crushing plate-like teeth help break down this hardy food source.

— Ocearian cetologist

Slow-whales are herbivores, grazing on surface plants, kelps, and algaes, as well as venturing into deeper waters for food. Spikekelp makes up the bulk of their diet - the digestive tract is well designed to tolerate the spines of this kelp.

Siren kelp is also consumed. This bright pink kelp grows in abundance on underwater mountainsides, particularly around geothermal vents. Herds of slow-whales often gather around siren kelp forests, completely destroying smaller forests.

Lifespan

100 years

Average Weight

30,000 – 35,000 kg

Average Length

20 - 22 metres

Geographic Distribution

• Frozen Volcanoes
• Ocearia

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