Pismo Beach Humpback Whale Behaviors

Pectoral fin slap

Humpbacks may slap the water’s surface with one or both fins (pectorals) simultaneously. This may serve as a means of communication to other whales. It is also an effective means to rid the pectorals of any parasites.

Tail slap

The humpback raises its tail flukes out of the water and slaps them downward forcefully on the surface of the water. This behavior is often repetitive and may serve as a warning.

Breach

The whale uses its tail to propel part of, or all of its body out of the water and comes down with a splash. Some believe that this is a form of communication between whales, whilst others believe it is used to rid the whale of parasites.

Peduncle throw

An energetic display whereby the whale throws its tail out of the water and in the process slaps its peduncle (the area between the dorsal fin and the tail fluke) on the water’s surface.

Spy hop

The whale rises vertically towards the surface with its head out of the water. Some believe that this allows the whales to see what is happening above the waterline.

Tail fluke up dive

The underside of a whale’s tail is called the fluke. Each fluke is unique just like our fingerprints. A fluke up dive is where the tail of the humpback appears out of the water in an upward arch and slowly rolls underwater in conjunction with a dive.