Scientists have documented, for the first time, humpback whales producing large bubble rings, like a human smoker blowing smoke rings, during friendly interactions with humans. This previously little studied behaviour may be an attempt at communication. Humpback whales are already known for using bubbles to corral prey, and creating bubble trails and bursts when competing to escort a female whale.
“Humpback whales live in complex societies, are acoustically diverse, use bubble tools and assist other species being harassed by predators,” said co-lead author Dr. Fred Sharpe, UC Davis Affiliate. “Now, akin to a candidate signal, we show they are blowing bubble rings in our direction in an apparent attempt to playfully interact, observe our response, and/or engage in some form of communication.”
“Humpback whales often exhibit inquisitive, friendly behaviour towards boats and human swimmers,” added co-lead author Jodi Frediani, marine wildlife photographer and U.C. Davis Affiliate. “We’ve now located a dozen whales from populations around the world, the majority of which have voluntarily approached boats and swimmers blowing bubble rings during these episodes of curious behaviour.”
The team’s findings were recently published in Marine Mammal Science in a paper titled “Humpback Whales Blow Poloidal Vortex Bubble Rings.” The study analyses 12 bubble ring–production episodes involving 39 rings made by 11 individual whales.
References
Fred Sharpe et al, Humpback Whales Blow Poloidal Vortex Bubble Rings. Marine Mammal Science, 15 May 2025
Main image: Andrey Gudkov/Deposit Photos
Image credits:
- humpback whale: Andrey Gudkov/Deposit Photos
