Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae

The Humpback Whale, also Humpedback, named after the dark hump usually seen when it swims near the surface, is a baleen whale ranging across most oceans as it feeds in polar seas and gives birth in tropical/subtropical waters. Thanks to Keith Wood for these photos taken off Newfoundland, Canada.

It has long white pectoral fins and can grow up to some 17 metres (56 feet) long, weighing some 40 tonnes. It migrates some 16000 km (10,000 miles) a year and is known for its breaching habits on the surface. Prey is small fish and krill.