09.09.2025 – Sponging

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) can be found in many oceans, some favour the coastal areas, others migrate through the high seas.

Bottlenose dolphins are one of the best-known dolphin species in the world. They live off the coast of Australia in the warm waters of the coral reefs. There they find plenty of food such as small fish and crustaceans. Their hunting behaviour is particularly fascinating.

Some animals have learnt to use tools. They search for sponges from the seabed. They place these sponges on their snouts. This is how they protect their sensitive skin when foraging in the sand. They can use the sponge to dig in crevices and between corals. In doing so, they find fish that are well hidden. Without protection, they would easily injure themselves. The technique is often passed on from mothers to their calves. This is how this knowledge spreads within the group. Researchers call this behaviour ‘sponging’. It is considered an example of animal culture. Not all Bottlenose dolphins use this method. However, it is particularly widespread in the Shark Bay area. This shows how adaptable dolphins are. They use their intelligence to find new solutions. This is how they ensure their survival in the colourful habitat of the coral reefs.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

13:00 Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins

16:30 Bottlenose dolphins