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Story: Orcas

Misshapen dorsal fin

Misshapen dorsal fin

About a quarter of the orcas seen around New Zealand’s coast have bent or misshapen dorsal fins. This is a much higher incidence than in other parts of the world, but the reason for this is not clear.

About this item

Orca Research Trust
Photograph by Ingrid Visser

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching. 'Orcas', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 24-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/orcas/1/5