Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Omura’s whale
Scientific name: Balaenoptera omurai
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: BALAENOPTERIDAE
Group: Marine mammals
Shyness: Very shy
Safe distance: 100 m
Breeding season / Courtship: N/A
Gestation: 300–360 jours
Births: N/A
Habitat:
Tropical and subtropical coastal and pelagic waters
Description:
Omura’s whale is a small baleen whale measuring 8–12 m in length, with a slender grey body and a slightly asymmetrical head. It inhabits shallow tropical and subtropical waters, feeding mainly on small crustaceans and fish by filtering water through its baleen plates. Usually seen alone or in small groups near the surface.
Recommended lens:
>=400 mm
Photography tips:
Position yourself at a respectful distance from a small boat or kayak; look for the blow and fluke when diving, and shoot at water level with a fast shutter speed to freeze splashes and capture the whale’s silhouette.
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