The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a marine mammal that can be found in all seas and oceans.
It is a species that usually migrates from polar waters during the feeding period and later to tropical and subtropical waters for reproduction.
Humpback whales produce characteristic sounds used for communication and during the reproductive season these sounds can reach up to 3,000 kilometers.
Humpback Whale Characteristics
The humpback whale's main characteristic is its size, which is impressive due to its dimensions. Measuring between 12 and 16 meters and weighing between 35 and 40 tons, it is one of the largest species of whales.
The identification of each animal is made from the distribution of colors and the shape of the tail, which measures approximately 5 meters in length.
Like other animals that live in icy waters, the humpback whale has a thick layer of fat that serves as an energy reserve and helps maintain body temperature.
Humpback whales can stay underwater for up to 21 minutes. To breathe, they rise to the surface and spray out their two nostrils.
Each spray can reach up to 3 meters in height, which is the result of air condensation that occurs due to the difference in temperature between the respiratory system and the external environment.
humpback whale feeding
To feed, humpback whales usually migrate in summer to polar waters in the Arctic glacial ocean.
Females and puppies are the last to migrate, because during this period the puppies can increase the layer of fat and develop muscles and motor skills.
Because they do not have teeth, the food base of adult humpback whales is small crustaceans, known as krill.
The technique developed by the humpback whale is known as the "bubble net" and requires the collaboration of a group of whales that come together to surround the school. Once this bubble is formed, they rise towards the surface and open the mouth to fill the oral cavity.
Another strategy used by humpback whales is to beat their tail in the water in order to stun the school and make it easy prey.
humpback whale on the Brazilian coast
The humpback whale is one of the whales that usually visit the Brazilian coast between the months of June and November, especially on the northeast coast, in addition to the states of Espírito Santo and Rio de January.
The whales come at different times, where they enjoy the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean to mate and later to give birth and nurse.
Other species that are common on the Brazilian coast are: right whale, brid whale and minke whale.
humpback whale extinction
The humpback whale was considered an animal at risk of extinction, as it was the target of predatory hunting.
To avoid the extinction of the species, several animal protection organizations and institutes started to develop actions that aim to protect the humpback whale.
It is currently not at risk of extinction and is on the list of vulnerable animals.
You may also be interested in:
- Endangered species
- Endangered animals in the world
- The 10 biggest predators in the animal kingdom
Humpback Whale Fun Facts
The humpback whale, even with its large size and weight, when jumping, can project practically its entire body out of the water, and in some cases, it can reach more than 2/3 of its body.
The reason for the jump is the subject of study by researchers, but it is believed to be a form of communication, either to draw the attention of the group or the male to the female during the reproduction period. Another justification would be a way that whales find to eliminate the parasites and barnacles that are attached to their bodies.
In addition to jumping, the humpback whale also tends to have part of its tail exposed above the surface of the water. However, this type of behavior is observed only among adult species of the Brazilian population.
This behavior makes the humpback whale one of the most popular species in whale watching tourism.
Also meet other marine animals:
- Whale
- orca whale
- Penguin
- Polar Bear
