Why do dolphins rub against corals ?

The intelligence of dolphins has often been observed. They seem to give further proof of this by rubbing against corals. Indeed, it would be a form of self-medication.

A peculiar behavior

The results of a study led by a Swiss academic, concerning the observations made about dolphins evolving in the waters of the Red Sea, have just been made public.

The researchers, who dived alongside the dolphins, claim to have seen them rubbing against certain species of coral. According to them, they did the same with a sea sponge.

On the other hand, cetaceans seemed to disdain certain corals. Dolphins also seem to have a particular technique, adapted to corals or sponges, for rubbing their bodies.

Thus, they rub their head, belly and caudal fin more against the corals with a somewhat soft consistency. On the surface of other corals, cetaceans will rub the skin of almost their entire body.

Sometimes dolphins wait their turn to do this. These rituals were practiced especially when marine mammals woke up, and when they went to sleep.

Corals that "heal"

To understand the reasons for this attitude of the dolphins, the researchers took samples of corals and sponges and analyzed them.

They discovered a kind of mucus there with antibacterial properties. Dolphins would use these corals to cure the skin conditions they suffer from quite often.

It would therefore be a form of self-medication, which is not surprising in such intelligent animals. There are also other examples in the animal world, especially in chimpanzees or certain birds.

Moreover, it seems that such behavior is not innate. Indeed, the little ones watch the adults rubbing against the corals without doing the same. If they then imitate them, it is because their parents taught them to do so.

This is currently only a hypothesis, which further research may confirm. Indeed, dolphins may behave like this simply to scratch or find a hiding place.

Why do dolphins swim in front of boats?

To go surfing ! When the boat moves forward, it causes a surge of water which creates an underwater wave. Visible from the surface, it allows dolphins to move while preserving their energy. By placing themselves in this body of water, cetaceans are pushed like surfers.

Unusual behaviors

By observing these animals during this "playful" activity, researchers have identified unusual behaviors: jumps of all kinds, returns to the surface not typical of a shift (exiting the head, move to the side while flapping the caudal fin, swimming on the back…), tight turns… All these attitudes, generally accompanied by numerous vocalizations, reflect the amusement of the dolphins.