Description
The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a mammal found in all oceans of the world. These whales are known for their humpback shape, distinctive breaching and acrobatics, and long pectoral fins. These giants can grow up to 15m-16m long and are known for breaching and large tails or flukes. The whales migrate seasonally, with winter months spent breeding in tropical waters and summer months feeding in colder waters. These whales filter-feed their prey, catching krill, small fish in their baleen plates. They have many techniques for capturing prey, including lunging and bubble-net feeding.
Fact Sheet
Snorkeling Video
Habitat
These creatures migrates great distances between their feeding grounds in cold waters to warm waters to breed. They live in warm water tropical and sub-tropical climates along the equator worldwide, found in all oceans.
Diet
The whales filter-feed krill, plankton and small fish, capturing their prey in comb-like baleen plates. They have many techniques for capturing prey, including lunging and bubble-net feeding.
Appearance
These mammals are predominantly grey/dark grey, with white undersides. They can grow up to 15m-16m in length. They have large flippers which can grow up to 5m.
Key Features
- Most recognizable is a humpback breaching onto its back.
- Their pectoral flippers are sizable, measuring up to 5 meters.
- The whale has a small dorsal fin on its upper back.
- Unique underwater calling sounds associated with communicating and courting.
Threats
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concerned
Poaching
Whale poaching happened historically in the 19th century and significantly depleted populations. Due to a International ban on commercial hunting, Humpback whales number have significantly increased. Although they are still threatened by poaching for their meat and oils, despite international law.
Climate Change
Climate change, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification has and will cause changes to habitat and food sources such as krill and small fish populations. Changing temperatures could shift migration patterns potentially reducing the chance for feeding and breeding.
Overfishing
These giants can get caught in large fishing lines such as gillnets and longlines, leading to injury or unfortunately fatality.
Ship Strikes
As these whales can be observed feeding at the surface and breathing, they can come into contact with commercial ships. A ship strike can cause significant injuries or unfortunately fatalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
They eat krill and small fish which they filter-feed and capture in comb-like baleen plates.
They can grow up to 15 meters to 16 meters long.
Humpback whales are generally not considered dangerous to humans. But with wild creatures it is best to take precautions and follow guidelines.
It isn’t fully known the reason, although believed breaches are to communicate through the sound waves and,or, to clean themselves from irritating parasites.
