Bubble Net Feeding
Humpback Whales typically migrate up to 25,000 km (16,000 mi) each year . It is one of the larger rorqual
species, ranging in length from 12–16 m (39–52 ft) and weighing upwards of about
36,000 kg (79,000 lb). The Humpback is know for it's unique style of pod feeding called "bubble net feeding; a group of whales swims in a shrinking circle
blowing bubbles below a school of prey. The shrinking ring of bubbles
encircles the school and confines it in an ever-smaller cylinder. This
ring can begin near 30 m (98 ft) in diameter and involve the cooperation
of a dozen animals. Using a crittercam
attached to a whale's back, researchers found that some whales blow the
bubbles, some dive deeper to drive fish toward the surface, and others
herd prey into the net by vocalizing.
The whales then suddenly swim upward through the "net", mouths agape,
swallowing thousands of fish in one gulp. Pleated grooves in the whale's
mouth allow the creature to easily drain all the water initially taken
in."
