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How to Use this Catalog

Our whales are divided into four categories, (W,X,Y, and Z) based on the distribution of pigment on the ventral side of their flukes. Although scratches, orca or other predator tooth rakes and barnacle scars can accumulate over time, basic pigmentation is individual and forever. Following the letter designation will be an ID number and "deck name".

Simply click on the category photograph that most closely resembles the fluke pigmentation of your inquiry. You will be connected to the gallery of corresponding whales.

IF YOU SHOULD FIND A MATCH with any of your sightings, please contact Ginger by clicking on the “Contact Us” link below.

"THAR SHE BLOWS! GOOD LUCK!"

"W" Whales The "W" whales sport flukes which are mostly black, with a small smattering of white. Many of these white markings are the scars left behind by hitchhiking barnacles, tooth rakes from predators such as sharks and orca whales and, in males, wounds resulting from battles for paternal rights.

"X" Whales The "X" group, or "Black Tails", are the most difficult whales to ID. There are great challenges in picking out individual markings, let alone photographing them. Often, one has only the defining "notches and ridges" of the trailing edge of the flukes to use for identification.

"Y" Whales The "Y" Whales make up the majority of this catalog; they display an approximate 50/50 ratio of white and black on their flukes. These white patterns are separate; there are two distinct markings on each fluke.

"Z" Whales The lovely "Z" whales’ white pattern flows uninterrupted between the two flukes. Often there appears to be a yellowish "stain" on the fluke, which is actually composed of algae. This is the same algae that gives the Blue Whale its nickname of "Sulfur-Bellied Whale".