![Orca ("type C") spyhopping](http://up.wiki.x.io/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Type_C_Orcas.jpg/300px-Type_C_Orcas.jpg)
When spyhopping, a whale rises and holds a vertical position partially out of the water, often exposing its entire rostrum and head. It is visually akin to a human treading water. Spyhopping is controlled and slow, and can last for minutes at a time if the whale is sufficiently inquisitive about whatever it is viewing.