Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Megaptera novaeangliae
- Common name
- Humpback whale
- Category
- Marine mammals
- Family
- Balaenopteridae
- Genus
- Megaptera
- Size
- 1200–1700 cm
- Depth
- 0–200 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- solitary, schooling
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific
Description
Megaptera novaeangliae reaches 17 m and 40 tons. Stocky silhouette gray-black above with exceptionally long pectoral fin (one third of body) white or spotted, variable below with individual-identifying patterns. Famous for spectacular acrobatic jumps and complex male songs. Long migrations between poles (summer feeding) and tropics (winter breeding). Sanctuaries: Hawaii, Madagascar, Cape Verde, Dominican Republic. Encounters in Azores during spring migration. Listed LC after historical recovery.
Photo of Humpback whale
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Humpback whale?
- Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) reaches 1200–1700 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Humpback whale?
- Humpback whale is found between 0–200 m deep.
- Is the Humpback whale dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Humpback whale?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Humpback whale?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the family Balaenopteridae
- Balaenoptera physalus - Fin whale
- Balaenoptera edeni - Bryde's whale
- Balaenoptera musculus - Blue whale
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137092)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5220086)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia