Certain dolphins use corals and sponges to treat skin problems on their own. This is shown by studies by an international research team. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have been observed in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt, rubbing against selected corals and sponges and “queuing up” in a row.
Certain dolphins use corals and sponges to treat skin problems on their own. This is shown by studies by an international research team. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have been sighted in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt as they rub and line up against select corals and sponges.
The researchers examined the targeted marine organisms and found, among other things, 17 substances with antimicrobial properties. “The result surprised us and we ventured the hypothesis that the dolphins use the corals and sponges to provide the skin with the beneficial substances prophylactically or for existing irritations,” explains Gertrud Morlock of the German University of Giessen. She led the research together with Angela Ziltener of the Swiss University of Zurich.
Ziltener first noticed the unusual behavior in bottlenose dolphins in the northern Red Sea 13 years ago. The wildlife biologist was able to observe them up close during dives. “It took time to dive with the dolphins in such a way that several exciting sightings were possible,” she reports in the journal “iScience”.
Mini polyps expel mucus when they rub
Eventually, those corals and sponges could be identified where the marine mammals kept going. The team found that the repeated rubbing caused small polyps that make up the coral community to secrete mucus. To understand its properties, the scientists took samples.
Analytical chemist and food scientist Morlock and her team examined these samples of gorgonian coral, leather coral and a sponge called Ircinia sp. They came across the 17 biologically active compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, hormonal and toxic properties.
Mucus regulates the dolphin’s skin microbiome
Their discovery led the researchers to believe that the mucus serves to regulate the dolphin skin microbiome and treat or prevent infection. You can’t prove a cure, Morlock says. But the conclusion is obvious “that rubbing on the marine organisms, which are rich in active substances and specially selected by the dolphins, can make a difference because they have direct contact with the dolphin skin”.
Protecting marine mammals and their environment is very important to her, emphasizes wildlife biologist Ziltener. Many connections are not yet known. It is therefore necessary to do more studies “to show and understand the interaction of different species”.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
