This Atlantic white-sided dolphin is similar to many of the other dolphin species, all of which are toothed whales. Toothed whales feed on fish and squid. Some species of whales can be individually identified by differences in the natural markings found on their bodies. Thanks to the access provided by the Dolphin Fleet, scientists from the Center for Coastal Studies have been able to follow many of these whales throughout their lives. Late in the year, humpbacks migrate to the waters of the West Indies where they mate and bear their calves.
Humpbacks are easy to tell apart, using the black and white pattern on their tail flukes.
The tail pictured here belongs to a famous female humpback named Cat's Paw. The names we give to these humpbacks are based on natural field marks on their bodies. Cat's Paw was named for the white paw-like mark on her nearly all black tail. There are about 550 humpback whales in the Gulf of Maine, many of which frequent Cape Cod waters. The humpback is a large whale, often reaching lengths of 40-50 feet.