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Sperm Whale "Spouting"


Sperm Whale
Photo Information
Copyright: Marc Couse (kodiak1) Silver Star Critiquer [C: 23 W: 0 N: 7] (97)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-03-24
Categories: Mammals
Exposure: f/4.9, 1/400 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2006-12-21 21:02
Viewed: 1257
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The sperm whale (physeter macrophalus)is a toothed whale that lives in pods. It has a huge brain that weighs about 20 pounds (9 kg); it is the largest brain of any animal. The sperm whale has a single blowhole that is s-shaped and about 20 inches long. The blowhole is located on the left side of the front if its huge head. The sperm whale has a 4-12 inch thick layer of blubber.
Sperm whales produce ambergris, a dark, waxy substance (related to cholesterol) that is produced in the lower intestines, and is sometimes found containing squid beaks. Ambergris may help protect the sperm whale from the stings on the giant squid, its major food. Large lumps of ambergris may be vomited up by the sperm whale.

Whales breathe air at the surface of the water through a single, s-shaped blowhole. They spout (breathe) 3-5 times per minute at rest, but the rate increases to 6-7 times per minute after a dive. The blow is a noisy, single stream that rises up to 50 feet (15 m) above the surface of the water and points forward and to the left of the whale at a 45° angle.

I photographed this particular whale off of the coast of Saint Lucia in the Caribbean. Immediately after snapping this shot, it raised its tail and dove down to feed again.

I realize that the horizon is not level, but I decided to leave it "as is" because the photo was taken from a boat, and the horizon like this gives the shot a sense of moment.
ferranjlloret, njmv79 has marked this note useful
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To ferranjlloret: Thankskodiak1 1 12-21 21:32
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Marc,
Impressive blue colors, with your permission I make a Ws, trimming a little the superior and inferior part to give more importance to the animal.
Salutacions

Hello my dear TN friend, great capture you have, nice blue waters and very good quality and sharpness the horizon gives the dynamism of the moment, very good, well done and TFS,
Nelson

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