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Humpback
Whale
(Megaptera novaeangliae)
Humpback whales are one of the best known
species of the large whales. They are very well known for its spectacular
breaching, lobtailing and flipper-slapping. Knobs on top of the head, lower
jaw and on the leading edge of the flippers give this whale species their
name. The most distinctive external features of humpbacks are the flipper
size and form, fluke coloration and shape, and dorsal fin shape. Fluke
coloration can be used in order to identify individuals. Humpback whales
live in groups. They migrate seasonally from the breeding grounds around
the tropics to the northern or southern feeding grounds (depending on the
geographic distribution of the population). Males at their breeding grounds
are well known for singing one of the longest and most complex songs. Swimming
speed may reach a maximum of 27 km per hour. Humpbacks dive 6 - 7 m for
15 - 20 minutes. |
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