Humpback

Humpback
(Megaptera noveangliae)

Length

15 m

Weight

40t

Blow

3 m

Breathing

 5 – 15 min

Depth

 ?

Feed

light eaters, shad, herring, small fish

Maximum age

at least 50 years

Status of stock

considered vulnerable, but the population is increasing

Main symptoms

The humpback is large and sturdy, somewhat blocky, black or dark gray on the back, but the belly can be anything from completely black to completely white, the most common being black and white forming an irregular color pattern on the belly. The main characteristics are the extremely long bill about 1/3 of the body length and the spur, black above with a very variable color pattern below. The pattern at the bottom of the leaflet is individual and is used to identify individuals. The scapula is wide, with a deep notch and its posterior edge is irregularly toothed. The angle of the humpback is posterior, about 2/3 of the length from the muzzle and varies in size and shape, often small. The horn sits on a kind of elevation or hump on the back, from which the whale derives its name. On the head and lower jaw there are round nodules, and large scabs are noticeable on the head, fringes and around the genitals. Aphids settle on the calves and stay there throughout the life of the animal.

 

Behavior

Humpback whales are usually solitary or stay in small, unstable groups. Before diving, humpbacks always raise their legs so the shape and pattern on the underside is easily discernible. During migration and spawning time, the tarantulas emit a variety of sounds to attract cows, the sounds have been compared to birdsong, and the song varies depending on the ocean. Humpback whales are very playful on the surface of the water, rolling over, sticking their heads out of the water, jumping or hitting the surface with their legs or spurs many times.

 

 

Travel and foraging

Although humpback whales are usually solitary, they sometimes work together to hunt. Several individuals work together and surround the fish turf while creating a lot of bubbles, a kind of bubble net that traps the fish Humpback whales and winter resting areas are well known. They travel about 6.000 km one way and it is one of the longest known journeys of mammals.

 

 

Fishing and stock size

Humpback whales were hunted on a large scale in the 20th century and their numbers decreased significantly, humpback whales have been protected since 1966 and the population is slowly increasing. It is estimated that there are about 11.500 animals in the North Atlantic, and the total population size worldwide is 70.000 to 100.000 animals.