Humpback Whale
Megaptera novaeangliae
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Cetacea · Balaenopteridae
About
The humpback whale is a species of baleen whale. It is a rorqual and is the only species in the genus Megaptera. Adults range in length from 14–17 m (46–56 ft) and weigh up to 40 metric tons. The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and tubercles on its head. It is known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors, making it popular with whale watchers. Males produce a complex song that typically lasts from 4 to 33 minutes.
Fun Fact
Humpback whale songs can last up to 20 hours and carry over 3,000 km through the ocean, and all males in a population sing the same slowly evolving version of the song each season.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Open oceans and coastal waters
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
45-50 years
Threats
- Ocean Acidification
- Shipping Traffic