The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. It is one of the larger rorqual (a section of baleen whales) species, with adults ranging in length from 12β16 m (39β52 ft) and weighing around 25β30 t (28β33 short tons). The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors.