TALES OF A HUMPBACK WHALE
Humpback whales are our most common sight in Skjálfandi Bay.
That being said, did you know the following facts about these gentle giants?
1. Humpback whales are the 6th largest whale species of all, reaching a length of around 15m.
2. The tail patterns of humpback whales are unique - just as our fingerprints! Scienties use these unique black and white patterns on the undersides of the whales' flukes to identify individuals.
3. Humpback whales have the longest pectoral fins of all whales (in relation to body length) and can efficiently use them for navigation and even while feeding. Their latin name Megaptera novaeangliae refers to these flippers, "megaptera" meaning "big-winged."
4. They have one of the longest migrations among all animals on our planet, travelling up to 8000km annually!
BUT: The population residing in the Arabian Sea is the only one known to not migrate. Therefore, they're genetically most distinct from other humpbacks and scientists assume they've been isolated from other populations for over 70'000 years.
5. Male humpback whales are known for singing songs in their breeding grounds, which can last for hours and hours at a time. These songs are made up of a series of complex calls that are shared by all males of a population, regardless of the distance between them. It appears those songs change gradually over time, but all members of that same population will adapt and switch to the new song.
6. Even though being solitary animals, humpback whales are known to socialise. Additionally, they are known to group up for feeding, working together as a well organised team.
In recent years, humpback whales have been observed intervening in killer whale attacks on other marine mammals - probably as an attempt to intimidate the orcas in order to protect their own species and offsprings.
7. Humpback whales are filter feeders (having baleen plates instead of teeth) and therefore able to feed on over a ton per day while in their feeding grounds.
Want to learn more about this magnificent species?
Join us on our tours onto Skjálfandi Bay and be amazed by these incredible animals while learning lots of interesting facts from our guides on board!
Text & Photos: Sarah Arndt (captain / guide)
