The humpback whale can reach a maximum length of 17 metres, with the female larger than the male. The size and weight is also impressive. A 15m humpback weighs more than 41,000kg and its heart 190kg.

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Overview

Picture of a humpback whaleOrder: Artiodactyla

Family: Balaenopteridae

Species: Megaptera novaeangliae

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Population trend: increasing

Length: 12-15 metres, up to 16m

Weight: up to 65 tonnes

Life span: up to 50 years

Sexual Maturity: 2-5 years

Gestation: About one year. The calf when born is 5m long and weighs 2000kg

Distribution: In all the oceans of the world

Food: Mainly krill; occasionally small swarming fish and perhaps jellyfish.

 

Read More: Introduction

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