Humpback whales

Megaptera novaeangliae

Port St. Johns, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Nikon F100, Provia 400, Nikon 80 - 400 VR

As they swim, humpbacks frequently arch their backs out of the water - presumably the origin of their name.

The shape of the dorsal (back) fin as well as the shape and color patterns on the dorsal (underside) surface of the flukes (tail) vary, making it possible for researchers to identify individual whales.

Note the scratches on the back of the nearer whale.