Attribute

Western Pacific

Nova Scotia

New England

Notable length

Body composed of a series of irregular, jointed component parts (multiple humps, coils, or a ridge)

Rapid speed of movement

Notable flexibility of body

Vertical undulating movement of body segments

Body components likened to kegs or barrels, and sometimes scales or saucers

Oblivious of surroundings or impervious to disturbance

Overall body likened to a string of floats, kegs or buoys

Obvious trailing wake or water disturbance

Floating motionless, gently swaying in waves, or moving very slowly

Narrow, tapering, sinuous, snake/eel-like shape, often with absence of a caudal fin or lateral appendages

Extended body pulled down into water, thrown up into the air, or thrashed about on the surface

Presence of a horn, spike, spine, mane, or other protuberance (sometimes identified as a head)

20

15

4

1

10

6

3

0

6

6

15

3

9

11

7

5

3

5

8

4

3

6

1

8

0

3

9

9

3

1

3

2

2

3

2

2

3

1

2