11.10.2022 – Necessary adjustment

This morning was a species-rich tour on the Stenella. First we saw Shortfined Pilot Whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and then Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). When we slowly wanted to make our way back, we were surprised by a Tropical whale (Balaenoptera edeni). First we spotted a burst of bubbles coming to the surface of the sea, then we saw the whale. Every time he came up after a few minutes’ dive, there was a clearly visible ejection of bubbles. So he made it easier for us to see where he would show up next time. Unlike the first two species seen, which belong to the group of toothed whales, the tropical whale is a baleen whale.

In the sea, as in other habitats, it is always about adaptation. Although baleen and toothed whales are all cetaceans, they differ in a few ways. Toothed whales naturally have teeth, some more, some less. Baleen whales, which are partially specialized for zooplankton, require a different procedure. In adapting to their living conditions and changing diet from fish to krill in ancient times, teeth have not proven useful for today’s baleen whales. The small zooplankton is very nutritious, but also quickly slides out of a toothed mouth. The horn plates that hang down from the upper jaw of the baleen whales are ideal for specializing in this power food consisting of microorganisms.

In the afternoon, our guests were in an adventurous mood. We went through the ups and downs of the waves. Nevertheless, we had nice encounters with Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins

14:30 Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

10:00 Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Tropical whales

15:00 Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins