![]() Each species can be identified by the shape of their blow, and the size and shape of their tail flukes and pectoral fins,as well as overall body size, colour and shape. The 5 most commonly seen whales in South Australia are the Southern Right, Humpback, Sperm, Blue and Killer Whales. Another distinguishing feature of Toothed whales is their ability to echo-locate, using sound waves to create visual maps of their prey and surroundings. In contrast to Baleen whales, Toothed whales have only 1 blowhole creating a straight singular blow. Killer whales (Orcas) for example love seals and sea lions, whereas Sperm Whales prey on large squid. ![]() Their main food source is usually fish, although some species have other preferences. Species belonging to the Toothed whale sub class include Dolphins & Narwhals. They are primarily a migratory species, with summering grounds in the Antarctic where their prey is most plentiful and migratory routes to warmer climates in winter to mate and birth their young. Baleen whales have 2 blowholes on top of their head, creating a distinctive V-shaped blow. Using large sheets of baleen to sieve tiny marine crustaceans from the sea. Including whales such as the Southern Right Whale, Baleen whales are filter feeders. All whales are split into 2 distinct sub classes. World-wide there are over 90 whale species & they all belong to the order Cetacea (Suh-TAY-sha). Many people are surprised to learn that Dolphins are also classified as whales. These range from the small Common Dolphin (2m) to the largest animal ever to have lived, the Blue Whale (30m). 29 other whale species have been recorded in South Australian waters. ![]() Southern Right whales may be our most reknown whales here in Victor Harbor, but they are far from the only whales to gather on South Australia’s pristine coastline. ![]()
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