Caudal Photos

Dorsal and Caudal fins of the Ocean Sunfish Mola mola, as it Swims in the Open Ocean, near San Diego. The caudal fin is not a true tail but is a tail-like structure called a clavus that serves as a rudder. The dorsal (top) and anal (bottom) fins are used for propulsion.
Species: Ocean sunfish, Mola mola
Location: San Diego, California
Image ID: 39407  

A great white shark swims away, showing its powerful caudal fin (tail), short anal fins on its underside, tall dorsal fin on top and sweeping winglike pectoral fins.
Species: Great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias
Location: Guadalupe Island (Isla Guadalupe), Baja California, Mexico
Image ID: 19466  

Blue whale, caudal stem, fluke with median notch.
Species: Blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus
Image ID: 02220  

Whale shark with remora.
Species: Whale shark, Remora, Rhincodon typus
Location: Darwin Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Image ID: 01504  

Injured caudal fin on an 11' great white shark, likely female, underwater.
Species: Great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias
Location: Guadalupe Island (Isla Guadalupe), Baja California, Mexico
Image ID: 21414  

Blue whale, dorsal aspect of caudal stem, Baja California (Mexico).
Species: Blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus
Image ID: 03330  

Blue whale, dorsal aspect of caudal stem, Baja California (Mexico).
Species: Blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus
Image ID: 03340  

A great white shark swims through the clear waters of Isla Guadalupe, far offshore of the Pacific Coast of Baja California. This individual is a male, not the prominant claspers (ventral caudal area). Guadalupe Island is host to a concentration of large great white sharks, which visit the island to feed on pinnipeds and tuna.
Species: Great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias
Location: Guadalupe Island (Isla Guadalupe), Baja California, Mexico
Image ID: 07670