Whales are pretty fascinating aquatic animals, and seeing them in person is a truly remarkable experience. But even if whale watching isn’t something you want to cross of your bucket list before summer ends, you can still enjoy this amazing mammals by learning all about them!

Blue whales hold the record for the largest creatures on Earth

They can be grow over 100 feet long, and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation claims they’re even bigger than most dinosaurs used to be.

Beluga whales are nicknamed “canaries of the sea.”

Their distinct chirping apparently sounds like those of the small songbirds, according to the WDC. Yup, they’re cute AND they sound lovely.

Killer whales are huge predators in the ocean

National Geographic says they even eat other whales – maybe not their own kind, but definitely some other types of toothed whales. Don’t get confused if you hear them called Orcas – they’re the same thing.

Whales don’t actually have ears, but they can still hear

Instead, they have structures in their jawbones that allow them to hear sounds, according to the WDC.

See how gray whales have a unique texture?

It’s actually parasites – their bodies are covered with them, making them appear, as the National Geographic says, a “crusty ocean rock.” We need a good, thorough shower now.

Sei whales are just one of many endangered species

Though they aren’t too well known, the World Wildlife Fund says they’ve been hunted by humans since the 1860s.

Sperm whales have the heaviest brains of all time

The WDC says their brains can weigh up to an astounding 9kg (or 19.8 pounds). For comparison, human brains weigh a mere three pounds.