25.10.2018 – Tails – Tails – Tails

Extraordinary, special, great, fantastic, amazing, unique, breathtaking … so were our encounters with sperm whales today.. The most beautiful situations with tails, alone or in pairs, tail slaps and breaches were in today’s repertoire. The two breaches that we were able to admire were spectacular and will certainly remain in the memory of many of our guests for a long time. In fact, no wishes should be left open. We were gifted, presented and given a gift! Thank you – Thank you – Thank you!

But the main topic today were the tails! In Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) tails are a feature of identification. Each tail is unique and this is how each animal is distinguished. In marine mammals the positioning of the caudal fin is horizontal. Due to the anatomy of the whales and dolphins, they can use them as a kind of jet propulsion and thus move quickly and powerfully in the vertical direction. The tail works as a stabilizer in the water. The blood capillary system within the tail also allows a controlled temperature exchange.

A tail slap can be used for hunting or for protecting against attacks. A tail slap of a 20-50t sperm whale is certainly not to be underestimated. In situations where Sperm whales want to protect their young from Orca attacks, for example, the large toothed whale builds the so-called “Marguerite Formation”. The animal to be protected is placed in the middle and  the protective animals are directed around this animal, like the petals of a Marguerite. The heads are inward, the tails driven outward with their mighty tails, they hold the attackers.

A tail slap can also be used as a means of communication. This hitting movement on the surface of the sea reveals to the members of the group where the active animal is. Do you remember what happened when we watched the single youngster doing tail slaps? Shortly after, two adult animals appeared and in the next situation, we saw the juvenile in the middle of the larger Sperm whales.

Thanks to all (spotter, captains, guides, booking team, guests and marine mammals) who were involved in this great day!!

by Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10.00 Sperm whales, Sperm whales, Sperm whales

14:30 Sperm whales, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

10:00 Sperm whales, Sperm whales, Sperm whales