The Humpback Whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, is a mammal which belongs to th… Read Full Bio ↴The Humpback Whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, is a mammal which belongs to the baleen whale suborder. The Humpback is a very large whale: an adult can usually range between 12–16 m (40–50 ft) long and weighs approximately 36,000 kg (79,000 pounds), or 36 tonnes (40 short tons); females, on average, are larger than males. It is well known for its breaching (leaping out of the water), its unusually long front fins, and its complex whale song. The Humpback Whale lives in oceans and seas around the world, and is regularly sought out by whale-watchers.