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Individual Identification of Whales The enjoyment of whale watching is enhanced greatly if you have background knowledge of the whales that you happen to encounter during an ocean ecotour. The Bryde's and Sperm Whales of Tosa Bay have their own special characteristics, such as cuts and markings on their dorsal fins and flukes, and individual animals can be easily identified.

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Bryde's Whales

The Bryde's Whales of Ogata, well suited to the local ocean topography, live a sedentary existence and can be observed all year round. The Kochi Oceanography Society, with the cooperation of the Ogata Leisure Fishing Association, has been conducting a three year long (1993 to 1996) investigation into the habits of Bryde's Whales in Tosa Bay. The Tosa Bay Whale Watching Association has also been compiling an individual identification register centered on the characteristics of the Bryde's Whales' dorsal fin. Whale Catalog. Individual Identification Register of the Bryde's Whales of Tosa Bay

Whale Watching Tips Mouth Blowhole (Fumarole) Dorsal Fin Fluke Flipper *Fumerole - Located centrally on the head, slightly forward of the eyes, in the shape of two diagonal slits. The exhalation blow spout is roughly perpendicular to the head. *Head - Area from the mouth to the fumarole is flat and covered with ridges. *Dorsal Fin - Bending backwards and ending in a sharp tip. *Body Colour - From smoke gray to black. The colour of the ridges is generally white, but varies to black. *Movements - Generally slow moving, but can react quickly when necessary. *Flukes - They rarely raise their flukes up in the air due to the fact that they do not sound to substantial depths.

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Sperm Whales

Sperm Whales often sound deeply, and can spend many hours submerged, due to the fact that they can consciously slow down their rate of metabolism. Before sounding, they often they raise their flukes high up in the air. This is the ideal time to observe the shape and markings of a Sperm Whales' flukes. The Sperm Whales' flukes are in an inverted triangular shape, with relatively thin edges which are prone to cuts and scratches. Furthermore, when a Sperm Whale surfaces for breath, it displays the area from its head to its dorsal fin. With careful observation of the cuts and marks on a Sperm Whale, individual animals can be easily identified.

Whale Watching Tips Mouth Blowhole (Fumarole) Dorsal Fin Fluke Flipper *Fumerole - A single hole on the upper, left side of the head. The exhalation blow spout is roughly at a 45 degree angle to the left. *Head - An elongated box-like shape. *Dorsal Fin - A small, triangular lumpish shape. *Body Colour - From dark gray to dark brown. They are born a light colour and slowly row darker with age. *Movements - Extended sounding periods, with the ability to slow down their own rate of metabolism. *Flukes - Often raised up in the air when preparing to sound.

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The following images are of individually identified Sperm Whales from the Muroto region.
If you happen to sight and identify any of these animals, please contact us at Kochi Fan Club - http://www.pref.kochi.jp/Kochi/Clubjpn/kujira -j.htm
(Date of photos: 23/5/96 10:00AM to 12:00AM)
(Location: South east of Cape Muroto)

The dorsal fin of this whale has a cut behind it.	The dorsal fin of this whale is rounded off.	There is another, sharp lump near the dorsal fin.
The dorsal fin of this whale appears quite sharp.	There is a slit in this whale's dorsal fin.	There are three cuts on this whale's left fluke and one on the right fluke.

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last update:September 9, 1996/(C)Kochi Pref.

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