Female sperm whale at ocean surface in the Indian Ocean | Sri Lanka

Adult female sperm whale executing a playful flick of her fluke just before diving down to deep water, perhaps to forage for food. This whale was part of a larger group of 15 to 20 whales that were traveling together across a wide range, spening a lot of time at the surface between dives. The whale's powerful caudal area is clearly visible in this image, as are the unique markings on her abdominal region. These markings make it possible to identify individual whales.

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Filename: sperm-whale-physeter-macrocephalus-ocean-surface-sri-lanka-201204-0015.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication without prior written permission
Image Size: 5150x3433 / 50.6MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Sperm Whale Animalia Chordata Mammalia Cetacea Odontoceti Physeteridae Physeter macrocephalus Cetartiodactyla CITES Appendix 1 Cachalot Marine Mammal Odontocete Physeter catadon Toothed Whale Vulnerable: IUCN Red List Indian Ocean Sri Lanka Mirissa Female
Contained in galleries: Marine Life | Sri Lanka, Sperm Whales

Adult female sperm whale executing a playful flick of her fluke just before diving down to deep water, perhaps to forage for food. This whale was part of a larger group of 15 to 20 whales that were traveling together across a wide range, spening a lot of time at the surface between dives. The whale's powerful caudal area is clearly visible in this image, as are the unique markings on her abdominal region. These markings make it possible to identify individual whales.