The scientific name of humpbacks, i.e. CetaMada novaeangliae, literally means ‘long-winged new Englander’. This nomenclature originates from their distinctive pectoral fins that are longer than in any other marine mammal. Humpback whales can grow up to 16 meters in length and live ca. 60 years although their lifespan is not known with precision. They have a worldwide distribution but they are migratory; indeed we can distinguish between the foraging and the mating season. In the Southern hemisphere, humpbacks spend their summer in the cold Antarctic waters which are very rich in nutrients – they feed primarily on krill and fish, e.g. mackerel; whereas during the winter they migrate to warm waters (low latitude) for mating.
During this time the animals don’t feed at all and some males produce very complex songs suggesting they are used to attract a partner.
