Ceteceans – Nature Stock Photo Agency

Humpback whale feeding on a school of fish joined by gulls in the inlets of Vancouver Island, Canada

Willi Van Boven — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:34:15 +0000

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) in the water near Lajos de Pico, Portugal

Willi Van Boven — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 17:15:03 +0000

The blue whale, scientifically known as Balaenoptera musculus, is the largest creature to have ever existed on Earth. This magnificent marine mammal, a member of the baleen whale family, roams the world’s oceans, with a range that spans from polar to tropical waters. Renowned for its colossal size, a fully grown blue whale can reach lengths of up to 100 feet or more and weigh as much as 200 tons. Characterized by a mottled blue-gray coloration and a heart that can be as large as a small car, the blue whale is a gentle giant that sustains itself by filtering small shrimp-like creatures called krill through its baleen plates. Despite their immense size, blue whales are known for their graceful swimming and acrobatic displays, often breaching the ocean’s surface. Sadly, this awe-inspiring species faced severe threats from commercial whaling in the past, leading to a significant decline in their numbers. Conservation efforts and international protection have contributed to a slow recovery, but ongoing efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this endangered species and the preservation of the delicate marine ecosystems they inhabit.

Humpback whale with big scars near the dorsal fin, swimming around in Alert Bay, Vancouver Island

Willi Van Boven — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 15:20:51 +0000

Killer whale swimming through a Canadian inlet

Willi Van Boven — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 15:14:54 +0000

Indo-pacific Humpback dolphin with baby

Willi Van Boven — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 18:38:59 +0000

The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, scientifically known as Sousa chinensis, is a captivating marine mammal characterized by its unique appearance and social behaviors. These dolphins are easily recognizable by their distinctive hump just below the dorsal fin, a feature that sets them apart from other dolphin species. With a range extending from the eastern coast of Africa to the northern coast of Australia, including the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, these dolphins inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths. Known for their social nature, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are often observed in small groups or pods, engaging in playful activities and cooperative hunting. Despite their intriguing presence, these dolphins face threats such as habitat degradation, pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear, making conservation efforts crucial for the preservation of this enchanting species.

Humpback slapping down after a breach

Willi Van Boven — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 16:20:56 +0000

Sperm whale with a fluke an some pooh

Willi Van Boven — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 16:15:55 +0000

Humpback whale near Alert Bay, Vancouver Island

Willi Van Boven — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 18:14:32 +0000

Indo Pacific Humback dolphin swimming near the fishermen villages

Willi Van Boven — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 09:37:17 +0000

Indo Pacific Humback dolphin taking a dive

Willi Van Boven — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 09:35:57 +0000