A study published in the journal iScience describes how bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Red Sea line up, nose to tail, to rub against corals in an attempt to heal skin issues.
The tendency of dolphins to rub against corals was noticed 13 years ago, but at that time scientists did not fully understand the purpose of this behavior.
This time, researchers observed that dolphins choose specific corals. They realized that rubbing irritates the polyps of invertebrates living inside the corals, resulting in the secretion of mucus.
Which Corals Do Dolphins Choose?
Researchers collected samples of corals chosen by bottlenose dolphins and analyzed them in the laboratory. These samples included gorgonian (Rumphella aggregata), soft coral (Sarcophyton sp.), and sponge (Ircinia sp.).
The trio of reef species yielded 17 active metabolites in the laboratory, possessing antibacterial, antioxidant, hormonal, and toxic properties.
Thus, dolphins used corals as a skin cream or scrub with biologically active compounds.
Researchers plan to continue studying dolphin behavior to determine which specific diseases are treated by rubbing against corals and which body parts the animals most often massage.
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