Morphology

Body Shape 

The common and most significant feature of all fast-swimming marine animals is the sleek body shape and the unobtrusive extremities to reduce water friction. Most species have fins on their backs (dorsal fin), and a muscular fin-like tail called fluke horizontal to the body. The shapes and colours of the flukes vary significantly, telling species and even individuals within apart.

Colour Patterns 

Whales show three basic colour patterns: Uniform, spotted or striped, or counter-shaded. The purpose of the colouration is probably concealment linked to prey, protection from enemies and communication.  

Respiratory Organs 

The nostrils, or blowholes, located on top of the head, allows the animals to remain submerged when breathing. Baleen whales posses two, but toothed whales only have one blowhole.  

Warm-blooded Animals 

All marine mammals are warm-blooded, maintaining a stable body temperature of 36°-38°C. Beneath the skin lays a fatty layer called blubber that provides sufficient body insulation and serves at the same time as energy storage. Its thickness varies from 5 - 50cm.