Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Peduncle Throw

A young humpback whale made a peduncle throw 5 meters away from my camera. This powerful manoeuvre is executed when a humpback pivots its head downwards and throws the lower portion of its body across the water surface. This behaviour has been described to be an expression of defence, aggression or play.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2016
Date Uploaded: 11.2018
Photo Location: Vava'u, Tonga
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Copyright: © Mok Wai Hoe