Whale Tail - Like a Whale's Fingerprints - Each is Unique
Whale Tail - Is Each Really Unique?
Whale tail identification along with colors and shapes of dorsal fins is now the standard method of identity used for research and managing these precious animals all over the world. This is known as "photo-identification," in which individual whales are identified, cataloged, and monitored. Data derived from long-term studies of each individual whale help to make decisions in regard to protecting their habitat and ensuring these animals are not allowed to go into extinction. Because each whale tail is so unique - it is actually like a human fingerprint...no two are alike...along with their scars - they are relatively easy to identify and keep track of.
Humpback Tails - just Some of the Varieties
Humpback whales are the real acrobatics of the ocean. Regularly jumping or breaching sometimes clear out of the water. They usually twist their bodies when re-entering the water in order to protect their internal organs from the weight of their bodies hitting the water. You will see them arch their backs and then their huge beautiful tail when they prepare to dive - have your camera ready! Their dorsal fin is rather small, irregular and sits on a hump about two thirds back on the body. They have extremely long slender flippers (from 1/4 to 1/3 the length of their bodies), compared to other whales with white undersides and knobby growths on the ends. They frequently display them by waving them in the air. One time ad I was walking by the beach I thought I was looking at sea lions going by but when I saw this huge white fin waving - I realized it was a Humpback whale and couldn't believe how close it had come to the shore! Other Whale Species - Tail ShapesYou will notice from these pictures that each whale species has a truly unique shaped tail....and it really helps to be familiar with each type - before you go whale watching ...for quick identification! 
SPERM WHALE - photo to the right.You can identify a Sperm whale by observing the contour traits on their tail and dorsal fins. Their fluke or tail grows in a triangular shape, usually reaching a width of between 4 to 4.5 meters. They are very deep divers (average around 400 meters)...and stay submerged for about 30 - 45 minutes. Once they surface they will spout around for about 8 minutes for good picture taking! Just when they begin to dive - they arch their backs and give you a "great tail shot"...so be ready with your camera! 
GRAY WHALE - photo to the left....notice the slight differences.This whale has no dorsal fin, but has 6-12 knuckles along the top of it's back about 2/3 of the way back on the body down to the tail. The tail is about 10 feet across with pointed tips and a rather deep notch in the center. When it's preparing for a dive it lifts it's tail or fluke out of the water.....which helps to propel the whale steeply downward. Dives usually last from 3 - 15 minutes. They can be very curious whales and seem very interested in humans...makes for great picture taking when whale watching!
MINKE WHALE photo to the right.The Minke whale usually shows it's blow hole, dorsal fin and most of it's back at one time when it surfaces. They are the only baleen whale that usually leaps completely out of the water! They dive back after one of these magnificent leaps - headfirst like a dolphin. When they are beginning a dive, they don't raise their tails or flukes out of the water...like Humpbacks do...but do display all the same other behaviors as they do, such as tail slapping, spy hopping and breaching. 
BLUE WHALE- photo at leftWhat a treat to see this "worlds largest animal"! Their tail flukes are an amazing 25 feet or(7.6 m) wide! They quite often show this spectacular tail when they dive. They show their shoulders along with their blow hole when surfacing...and they are agray blue color as opposed to the Fin Whale which is a dark gray color. You don't usually see their dorsal fin until the whale is about to dive...as it sits quite far along it's back. A dive usually lasts 10 and sometimes up to 20 minutes. Be on the lookout for their breathing spout or "whale blow" on the horizon which can be up to 39 feet high or (12 meters) They are solitary animals - unless you are fortunate enough to see a mom and calf.
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