Our team out in Port St. Johns was treated to a spectacular display of gentle breaches between an adult and baby Dwarf Minke swimming alongside each other. Alexis Rosenfeld and Armel Ruy have accomplished an extraordinary feat by capturing incredibly clear footage under rare conditions. This remarkable achievement is generating immense excitement among scientists and whale experts alike.
Dwarf Minke whales, a rarely seen species, have recently been spotted in Port St. Johns during this years Sardine Run season. The Dwarf Minke Whale is a relatively elusive species, mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere. Minke’s feed on small crustaceans, krill and shoaling fish, typically breaking through schools at the surface, unlike Bryde’s whales which often attack from below.
When it comes to identifying Dwarf Minke whales, size is a crucial factor. Dwarf Minke whales are particularly notable for their smaller stature, and are generally 2 meters shorter than the Common Minke and Antarctic Minke. They reach a maximum length of approximately 8 meters. Both Dwarf Minkes and Antarctic Minkes exhibit distinctive white patches on their flanks, located just below the pectoral flippers, as well as only one dorsal ridge. However, there is a key difference that sets the Dwarf Minke apart from its Antarctic counterpart such as its white pectoral flippers.
The presence of Dwarf Minke Whales in South African waters is particularly exciting, as it adds to the biodiversity and richness of the region’s marine life.
Thank you to Alexis Rosenfeld & Armel Ruy for the footage supplied.
