Humpback Whales Engaged in Courtship | Vava'u, Tonga

Male and female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) engaged in courtship. The female is the closer of the two whales. As often seems to be the case during courtship, these humpback whales were extremely inquisitive, with the female being particularly interested in boats and people. The graceful, almost balletic, movements of the female are characteristic of courting couples. Photographed in Vava'u, Tonga.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: humpback-whales-courtship-megaptera-novaeangliae-tonga-200508-V1N0322.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication without prior written permission.
Image Size: 4753x3168 / 43.1MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Humpback Whale Animalia Chordata Mammalia Eutheria Cetacea Mysticeti Balaenopteridae Megaptera novaeangliae Cetartiodactyla Baleen Whale CITES Appendix 1 Filter Feeder Endangered: IUCN Red List Marine Mammal Mysticete Rorqual Courtship South Pacific Tonga Vava'u
Contained in galleries: Humpback Whales Underwater, Marine Life Reproduction

Male and female humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) engaged in courtship. The female is the closer of the two whales. As often seems to be the case during courtship, these humpback whales were extremely inquisitive, with the female being particularly interested in boats and people. The graceful, almost balletic, movements of the female are characteristic of courting couples. Photographed in Vava'u, Tonga.