Whales are captivating marine mammals, and few behaviors are as spectacular as breaching. This involves a whale propelling much of its body out of the water before crashing back down, creating a large splash. Breaching is observed across numerous whale species, from humpbacks to orcas, showcasing their agility and power. While this aerial display is a thrilling sight for observers, the precise reasons behind it are complex and continue to be a subject of scientific study.
Messages in the Air
Breaching can serve as a powerful form of communication within the ocean. The substantial splash and sound generated by a breaching whale can travel considerable distances underwater, reaching other whales out of visual range. This long-distance visual and acoustic signal can alert other pod members to their presence, food sources, or mating readiness. Sound travels more rapidly and further in water than in air, making the percussive impact effective across miles. Breaching may also act as a warning signal for potential threats like predators or vessels, or be a display of strength and power, serving as a territorial claim to establish dominance.
Body Maintenance and Health
Beyond communication, breaching may contribute to a whale’s physical well-being. The forceful impact of a whale’s body hitting the water can dislodge external parasites, such as barnacles and whale lice. These parasites can cause discomfort and increase drag, so shedding them helps whales maintain their health and hydrodynamic efficiency. While breaching is one method, whales also engage in other behaviors like rubbing against sandy seafloors to exfoliate and shed old skin cells. This process helps in maintaining healthy skin and can reduce the risk of infections from bacterial communities that might grow on excess skin.
Playful Displays and Social Bonds
Breaching also plays a role in the social dynamics and recreational activities of whales. This behavior is frequently observed in younger whales and within socially active species, suggesting a link to play. Such playful displays can aid in developing coordination and muscle tissue in young whales. Breaching can also be a display of strength or dominance, particularly among males, asserting hierarchy within social groups or signaling fitness to potential mates. The energetic nature of breaching can reinforce social bonds within a group.
Observing the Surroundings
Breaching provides whales with an elevated perspective of their environment. Launching out of the water allows a whale to visually survey its surroundings above the ocean surface, which is challenging from underwater. This enables them to spot distant landmarks, other whale pods, or indicators of prey, such as flocks of birds feeding on fish schools. Breaching can also assist whales in navigating. The large splash and noise generated by breaching could also disorient or stun schools of fish, making them easier for the whales to catch, though this is not considered a primary reason for the behavior.