| Humpback Whale | ||
|---|---|---|
 Megaptera novaeangliae | ||
| Estimated Population | Increasing | |
| Scientific Classification | ||
| Kingdom | Animalia | |
| Phylum | Chordata | |
| Class | Mammalia | |
| Order | Cetecea | |
| Family | Balenopteridae | |
| Genus | Megaptera
Gray, 1846 | |
| Species | • M. novaeangeliae | |
| Conservation Status (IUCN 3.1) | ||
 Least Concern | ||
The Humpback Whale is a mammal, species of the baleen whale and is found almost anywhere. Mostly in the Pacific Ocean around Australia.
This acrobatic animals also known for breaching and slapping the water with its tail and pectorals.
Gallery[]
Humpback whales sometimes hunt by blowing bubbles from their blowholes as they circle toward the surface. The ring of bubbles forms a "bubble net," which keeps shrimp-like krill from escaping. When they reach the surface, the whales swim through the mass of krill, mouths wide open.
In addition to their complex feeding methods, humpbacks also exhibit interesting reproductive behaviors. On the breeding grounds the males sing complex songs, with each area having its own dialect. The songs can last up to 20 minutes, and can be heard for over 30 km. The exact function of the songs, whether to serenade the females or ward off competing males, is not entirely understood.
Video[]
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| Marine | Marine Habitats • Aquariums • Global Oceans • Ocean Weather
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| Vertebrate | Fishes • Mammals • Reptiles • Amphibians • Cartilaginous Fishes • Sharks
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| Invertebrate | Arthropod • Mollusca • Echinoderms • Cnidaria
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| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered • Endangered • Near Threatened • Vulnerable • Least Concern • Data Deficient • Not Evaluated |