Humpback Whale Wing on Wing

The humpback whale’s scientific name is Megaptera novaeangliae, meaning ‘Giant Wings of New England’, which refers to their large pectoral fins that can reach a length of 15 feet. These fins are used for maneuverability, stabilization, enabling the whale to stop, and swim backwards. And sometimes they are used just to show off.

Photo by Phillip Colla





