Each of these dorsal fins belong to a different species of whale. Can you spot the differences? Dorsal fin shape and colouration is useful for identifying different whale species. In some circumstances, that is the only part of the whale you will see...and in many cases you can only catch a passing glimpse. Knowing what to look for makes the task easier. Read on to learn more....
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Blue whale: Dorsal fin is small and falcate (triangular) and located 3/4 of the way back on the body. The largest animal to ever roam the planet - this individual was photographed in Sri Lanka and therefore grows to a maximum of about 25 m.
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Humpback whale: Notice the slight hump in front of the dorsal fin explaining why this species is known as the humpback whale. The irregularly shaped dorsal fin is located 2/3rds of the way back on the body. Humpback whales grow to about 12-15 m. This individual was photographed in Mingan, Canada.
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Bryde's whale: Dorsal fin is sickle shaped and black. They are located about 2/3rds of the way down the back. Bryde's whales grow to about 12-15 m, but they weigh about half (or less) of a humpback whale. This individual was photographed in Sri Lankan waters.
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| Minke whale: This whale's dorsal is described as tall and curved. Look at the colour differences between the Bryde's whale and the minke whale....can you see how that might be useful for telling them apart? The dorsal on the minke is located 2/3rds of the way down the body. Minkes tend to grow to approximately 8 m. This individual was photographed in Mingan, Canada. |
By the way, As Christian from MICS pointed out - the humpback dorsal belongs to Splish - the oldest known whale in the Mingan population. She was named in 1980 so we feel very privileged to have met her on our recent foray there.
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