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Humpback whale breach sequence. A breach or a lunge is a leap out of the water, also known as cresting. The distinction between the two is fairly arbitrary: cetacean researcher Hal Whitehead defines a breach as any leap in which at least 40% of the animal's body clears the water, and a lunge as a leap with less than 40% clearance. [2]
Tilikum was the largest orca in captivity. [8] He measured 22.5 feet (6.9 m) in length and weighed about 12,500 pounds (5,700 kg). [9] His pectoral fins were 7 feet (2.1 m) long, his fluke curled under, and his 6.5-foot-tall (2.0 m) dorsal fin was collapsed completely to his left side.
Sexual dimorphism between male (top) and female (bottom) killer whales. Pectoral fins, dorsal fin, and flukes are larger in adult males. Orca pectoral fins are large and rounded, resembling paddles, with those of males significantly larger than those of females.
Fluid dynamics researchers have proposed multiple mechanisms for the formation of flukeprints, including vortex shedding from the fluke of the whale, the action of surfactants on the surface of the water, and shear flow in the interaction between water waves and the current caused by the passing whale. [3] [4]
Watching an orca during their tuna fishing outing aboard the Cameron William on June 2 are, from left, Elliot Van Buren, 8, Cameron van Steensel, 8, Connor van Steensel, 7, and Chuck Van Buren.
Whales produce bubble nets to aid in herding prey. [67] Killer whale porpoising. Larger whales are also thought to engage in play. The southern right whale elevates its tail fluke above the water, remaining in the same position for a considerable time. This is known as "sailing".
CAPE COD BAY -- 04/01/24 -- A right whale dives deeper into the water showing off its flukes. A team from the Center for Coastal Studies was out in Cape Cod Bay Monday searching for North Atlantic ...
Lolita, an orca whale held captive for more than a half-century, died from old age and multiple chronic illnesses, according to a report released Tuesday by the Miami Seaquarium. Lolita — also ...