Читать книгу Diving Indonesia Periplus Adventure Guid онлайн

146 страница из 170

There are several dolphin species in Indonesia and identifying them at sea is a far from easy task. Common species here include the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris), so-called because of its characteristic high, spinning jumps; the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), which has a black-tipped snout, and a crisscross pattern on its flanks; and the spotted dolphin, with a pattern of fine spots on its sides.

Whales. Several species of large whales also occur in Indonesia, some arriving seasonally from polar regions, others being year-round residents. Like dolphins they are best watched from a boat rather than the water. Some whales breed in Indonesian waters, so it is very important not to harass them by chasing them in boats.

Most of the species seen are plankton-eating baleen whales which have vertical spouts and a small, but distinct, dorsal fin. They might be distinguished on the basis of size, but this requires some experience. The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is known in Indonesian waters, as are several smaller but very similar species, including the fin whale (B. physalus) and minke whale (B. acutorostrata). The humpback, (Megaptera novaeangliae), is easier to identify.