Competition

Title: Competition

Location:  Sydney, Australia

This whale is ‘tail lobbing’ as can be seen from the spray behind the tail. Tail throws happen in ‘competition’ pods, where two adult males are trying to form a bond with a female. There is often fighting between the whales and one male will eventually leave. Tail-throws have also been seen when there are large sharks around although this is rare.

This whale was swimming with two others and that may have been the situation here. It is impossible to sex whales without seeing the pubic area; usually, this is carried out by divers although some whales will rest on their backs.

Please refer to the “Sizing Guide” page for more information.