Photographer: Paul Osmond
(see this users gallery)
A Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) lies on its side with its huge pectoral fin raised straight up in the air ready to be slapped down against the water or its own body. Behaviour like this is thought to be to used to remove barnacles and other parasites from the whale's body, but could also be used for communication or just in fun. This image taken on the Wild Coast of South Africa not far from Port St Johns.
These huge whales can be seen each year in this area in the June and July time frame in conjunction with the Sardine Run, as they migrate north from their feeding season in Antartica towards Mozambique.
These whales can grown to upwards of 52 feet and weigh as much as 50 tons. They are also responsible for majority of the more beautiful the 'whale songs' that have become synomous with the general public.
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· Date: Sun September 10, 2006 · Reference ID: /22006-06-20-19-47-25 · Views: 3107 ·
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Keywords: balaenopteridae baleen rorqual mysticeti cetacea marine mammal pelagic filter feeder large endangered rare pectoral fins behaviour impressive
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Additional Categories: Humpback Whale Pectoral Fin Actions
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Lamellarid - Chelyonotus semperi
Paul Osmond
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