Humpback Whale Competitive Group Underwater Bubble Display, #05968

Male North Pacific humpback whale streams a trail of bubbles.  The primary male escort whale (center) creates a curtain of bubbles underwater as it swims behind a female (right), with other challenging males trailing behind in a competitive group.  The bubbles may be a form of intimidation from the primary escort towards the challenging escorts. Maui, Hawaii, USA, Megaptera novaeangliae, natural history stock photograph, photo id 05968
Male North Pacific humpback whale streams a trail of bubbles. The primary male escort whale (center) creates a curtain of bubbles underwater as it swims behind a female (right), with other challenging males trailing behind in a competitive group. The bubbles may be a form of intimidation from the primary escort towards the challenging escorts. Maui, Hawaii, USA

This image is featured in: Humpback Whale Underwater Bubble Streaming Among Rowdy Groups in Hawaii, Photos of Humpback Whale Bubble Displays

Species: Humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Image ID: 05968
Format: Digital 9:16
Categories:
Copyright © Phillip Colla / HWRF, all rights reserved worldwide.
This professional quality stock photo can be licensed in high resolution form by contacting the photographer: Phillip Colla, photos@oceanlight.com, (760) 707-7153, more info and photographer bio.
This photograph was taken during Hawaii Whale Research Foundation research activities conducted under NOAA/NMFS and State of Hawaii permit. Its use is subject to certain restrictions. Please contact the photographer for more information.