Two humpback whales (Megaptera novangliae) swimming near a cargo ship. One whale is diving wile the other is fluking. Humpback whales grow up to 18 metres and 40 tonnes. They have a lifespan of 45 to 50 years. Humpback whales can migrate 8,000 kilometres between breeding and feeding grounds. Their diet is plankton, small schooling fish and tiny crustaceans such as krill. Humpback whales are known for their acrobatics, which are suspected to be playing or a means of communication. They also communicate through iconic, intricate songs. Photographed in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, USA.