The tail of a dolphin or whale which moves up and down like a paddle to push the animal through the water. In some whale species, flukes are so unique that scientists use them like fingerprints to tell whales apart. Whales can use their flukes to kick food into their mouths, and flukes can also be used to control the body temperature (by changing blood flow or releasing heat).
The pair of fins on each side, just behind a fish's head. Pectoral fins help to control an animals direction while moving in the water.
A large whale with long flippers which is known for arching or humping its back when it dives under the water. Humpback whales usually swim in groups called pods, and are known for their magical whale-song which they use to communicate with each other. They live near the coast (land) and feed on tiny shrimp-like krill, plankton and small fish.
Orca, or maki and kākahi in Māori, are also known as ‘killer whale.' They are a large black and white 'toothed whales' that are actually the largest member of the dolphin family. Orca are apex predators, which means no other animal in the sea hunts and eats them. They have a large dorsal (back) fin and live in groups that hunt seals, fish, and penguin together. They can be found all over the world, including in New Zealand waters.
Young Ocean Explorers
P.O. Box 228
Warkworth
, 0941
New Zealand
info@youngoceanexplorers.com
