Whales enjoy throwing seaweed on their heads and holding it in their mouths as makeshift toothbrushes, new research from Australia suggests.
This behavior is called kelping
Scientists found that kelping may also be used as a welcomed body scrub and as a way of strengthening social bonds.
Whales have a cluster of nerve endings on their heads, and seaweed can provide sensory stimulation
Dr Olaf Meynecke, a research fellow at Griffith University in Queensland, co-authored the study and used aerial observations, drone shots, and social media footage to analyze the newly found behavior.
Kelpimg has been observed in the northern and the southern hemispheres, notably the coasts of Alaska, mainland USA, Canada, Australia, and French Polynesia.
Some individuals kept kelp and seaweed on their heads for more than 30 minutes at a time
While the marine mammals enjoyed rolling around in the seaweed, there was one spot in particular that the whales targeted the whales seemed to all have a preference to place it on their heads. The whales enjoy throwing patches of seaweed up in the air and “using their heads to swim through it”.
The studies observed species classified as baleen whales, which have a large bristly whalebone at the front of their mouth to filter feed, instead of teeth. Baleen whales have a sensory system on their head and it is thought that touching the seaweed gives a nice sensation.
Whales were seen using their pectoral fins to launch marine plants over their heads and bodies.
Because baleens do not bite, Dr Meynecke, a leading scientist in the studies, was surprised to see the whales plunging downwards with seaweed clasped in their mouths.
“One good reason for this could be that it’s actually like a toothbrush because that part of their mouths is extremely difficult to clean.”
Whale friends
Seaweed can also help remove parasites and dead skin.
However, it could be a lot simpler: “Kelping can actually happen as a social activity.”
Three whales were observed sharing kelp with each other before “another two whales came by to check out the scene”.
“It was clear that this kind of interaction with the seaweed was a social get-together.
Whales’ Kelp ‘Hats’: A Delightful Mix of Play, Self-Care, and Social Interaction
Scientists have made a fascinating discovery about the behavior of whales – they have been observed wearing ‘hats’ made of kelp and seaweed. In an article titled “Scientists Crack Case of Whales With Kelp Hats” by Rebecca McPhee, the author explores this intriguing phenomenon.
The article reveals that over 100 instances of whales wearing kelp hats have been recorded globally, and it is not limited to specific areas where kelp is abundant. Researchers have analyzed drone footage to understand the reasons behind this behavior. They have found that whales engage in playing with seaweed because it provides them with amusement and feels good on their skin. The rough texture of the seaweed also helps remove skin-irritating hitchhikers like barnacles and lice. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of the seaweed reduce bacterial growth on the whales’ skin.One interesting aspect highlighted in the article is the social element of this behavior. Whales are often seen frolicking with kelp together, which strengthens social bonds among them and promotes learning. Surprisingly, biting down on seaweed, which is unusual for filter-feeding baleen whales, is believed to be a way for the whales to clean the inside of their mouths.
