Back to Species
Least Concern
Humpback Whale
Megaptera novaeangliae
Also known as: Hunchback Whale
Humpback Whales are famous for their spectacular breaching displays and complex, beautiful songs. Males produce elaborate songs that can last for hours and evolve over time. They are one of the great conservation success stories.
Max Size
60 feet (18 m)
Lifespan
45-100 years
Depth
0-200 meters
Water Type
saltwater
Scientific Classification
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Cetacea
- Family
- Balaenopteridae
- Species
- Megaptera novaeangliae
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat
Open oceanCoastal waters
Distribution
All oceans worldwide
Behavior
Humpbacks are acrobatic whales known for breaching, tail slapping, and flipper slapping. They use bubble-net feeding to concentrate prey. Males sing complex songs during breeding season.
Reproduction
Females give birth every 2-3 years after 11 months of gestation. Calves are 10-15 feet at birth and stay with mothers for about a year.
Conservation Status
Least ConcernPopulation trend: increasing
Main Threats
- Ship strikes
- Entanglement
- Climate change
🎉 Fun Facts
- Male songs can last 20 minutes and be heard 20 miles away
- They migrate up to 16,000 miles annually
- Humpbacks can blow bubbles to create "nets" for catching fish
- Each whale has unique tail markings like fingerprints
- They recovered from near extinction (95%) to thriving
