Why are Humpback whales called “Humpback”?
Another name for the Humpback whale is the “Hump-backed “whale. Its name being derived from the pronounced hump it has on its back in front of the dorsal fin. Another reason is the way the whale arches or ‘humps’ its back when diving. The dorsal fin is the triangular fin which stands upright out of the water when a whale swims just below the ocean surface. Much like the shark fin you see in the movies and on television. The Humpback whale is one of the most energetic of the “Rorquals”. The biggest of the Rorqual family is the Blue whale, the largest animal ever to have lived on earth. The Humpback whale is well known for it’s spectacular breeching, lobtailing and flipper slapping. It is easily recognised by it’s unique flukes (tail fins), knobbly head and long flippers. However, no two Humpback whales are exactly alike; the black and white pigmentation on the underside of their flukes is as unique as a human fingerprint.
Another name for the Humpback whale is the “Hump-backed “whale. Its name being derived from the pronounced hump it has on its back in front of the dorsal fin. Another reason is the way the whale arches or ‘humps’ its back when diving. The dorsal fin is the triangular fin which stands upright out of the water when a whale swims just below the ocean surface. Much like the shark fin you see in the movies and on television. The Humpback whale is one of the most energetic of the “Rorquals”. The biggest of the Rorqual family is the Blue whale, the largest animal ever to have lived on earth. The Humpback whale is well known for it’s spectacular breeching, lobtailing and flipper slapping. It is easily recognised by it’s unique flukes (tail fins), knobbly head and long flippers.
