Bottlenose dolphins in the Red Sea rub against corals and sponges that have medicinal properties, possibly to ward off pathogens that cause skin diseases.
We’re not the only creatures who pop a pill or slather on an ointment when we’re ill or itchy. Chimpanzees swallow rough leaves to rid their intestines of parasites, for example, and some ants eat foods rich in hydrogen peroxide to expel fungal infections. Now, scientists might be adding dolphins to the list. Researchers have discovered that bottlenose dolphins in the Red Sea rub against corals and sponges that have medicinal properties, possibly to ward off pathogens that cause skin diseases.
Huffman has studied primate self-medication since the 1980s. He also collects information on instances of the phenomenon across the animal kingdom. But he says such behavior has been tough to study in the ocean because of the logistical challenges of observing animals at sea. Over the years, she noticed the animals rubbing up against certain corals and sponges. The behavior wasn’t random: The dolphins rubbed their heads on some corals, scraped their bellies on others, and avoided some species altogether . Adult dolphins would queue up to rub, whereas the younger members of the group watched closely and slowly began to mimic their actions.