Evidence that Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins self-medicate with invertebrates in coral reefs

Morlock, Gertrud E.; Ziltener, Angela; Geyer, Sascha; Tersteegen, Jennifer; Mehl, Annabel; Schreiner, Tamara; Kamel, Tamer; Brümmer, Franz

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2022.104271

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 73 publications

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“…Interestingly, it was recently discovered that dolphins use these metabolites for self-medication against skin infections by rubbing their skin against specific soft coral species (i.e., Sarcophyton sp.). Tracing this behavior, cembranoid diterpenes (sarcophine/sarcophytolide/sarcophytolide B or C) could be linked as underlying metabolites, since they protect the dolphins from dermal pathogens [ 28 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Network Guided Cataloging of the Secondary Metabolome of Selected Egyptian Red Sea Soft Corals

et al. 2022

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Soft corals are recognized as an abundant source of diverse secondary metabolites with unique chemical features and physiologic capabilities. However, the discovery of these metabolites is usually hindered by the traditional protocol which requires a large quantity of living tissue for isolation and spectroscopic investigations. In order to overcome this problem, untargeted metabolomics protocols have been developed. The latter have been applied here to study the chemodiversity of common Egyptian soft coral species, using only minute amounts of coral biomass. Spectral similarity networks, based on high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry data, were employed to explore and highlight the metabolic biodiversity of nine Egyptian soft coral species. Species-specific metabolites were highlighted for future prioritization of soft coral species for MS-guided chemical investigation. Overall, 79 metabolites were tentatively assigned, encompassing diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and sterols. Simultaneously, the methodology assisted in shedding light on newly-overlooked chemical diversity with potential undescribed scaffolds. For instance, glycosylated fatty acids, nitrogenated aromatic compounds, and polyketides were proposed in Sinularia leptoclados, while alkaloidal terpenes and N-acyl amino acids were proposed in both Sarcophyton roseum and Sarcophyton acutum.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Network Guided Cataloging of the Secondary Metabolome of Selected Egyptian Red Sea Soft Corals

et al. 2022

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“…Furthermore, the presence of a wound or ulceration on the lower right side suggests that either the dolphin may have engaged in rubbing itself against substrates to remove parasites or that the heavy load of this large parasite in this area together with any other underlying infection may have caused ulceration. In this regard, bottom contact behavior has been recorded in some cetacean species [19,[43][44][45].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The First Report of Pennella (Crustacea: Copepoda) Infesting Stenella coeruleoalba Stranded in Malta: Morphological and Genetic Analyses

Vella,

Vella

2024

Animals

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Here, we document the stranding of a striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba (Meyen, 1833) (Mammalia: Delphinidae), which was found dead in Maltese waters in July 2020. The stranded dolphin exhibited a severe infestation of the mesoparasitic copepod, Pennella balaenoptera Koren and Danielssen, 1877 (Copepoda: Pennelidae). Parasites of this genus represent the largest known mesoparasites to infest cetaceans. Under normal circumstances, cetaceans may have a few P. balaenoptera individuals attached to them, but cetaceans with compromised health are more prone to heavy infestations. The identification of the parasite was accomplished through morphological and genetic analyses. This incident highlights the significance of monitoring mesoparasitic infestations, offering valuable insights into the health of cetacean populations and emphasizing the potential implications for conservation efforts in the region.

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“…We cannot exclude the possibility that whales specifically target regions where small fish are likely to feed of the whale's skin to enhance the skin removal similar to clean stations visited by other species [60]. Other cetaceans such as bottlenose dolphins use specific corals and sponges in coral reefs to self-medicate [61]. Given the complexity of previously described behaviour for this species, it is possible that humpback whales employ additional behavioural strategies, such as the one described here, to reduce or remove bio-fouling.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exfoliating Whales–Sandy Bottom Contact Behaviour of Humpback Whales

Meynecke

Gustafon

Cade

2023

JMSE

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Cetaceans are known for their intelligence and display of complex behaviours including object use. For example, bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) are known to rub on rocks and some humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) populations undertake lateral bottom feeding. Such underwater behaviour is difficult to observe but can play a critical role in the whales’ survival and well-being. Distinguishing social behaviours from those which serve a specific function remains challenging due to a lack of direct observations and detailed descriptions of such behaviours. A CATS (Customized Animal Tracking Solutions) suction cup tag with on board video and a 3D inertial measurement unit was deployed on three different humpback whales to assess their behaviour in the Gold Coast bay, Australia. Here, we present evidence of humpback whales (tagged and untagged individuals) performing bottom contact with prolonged rolling on sandy substrate. In addition, we showed that fish were actively feeding from the whales’ skin during this behaviour. We detail the behaviour and discuss possible drivers, with a focus on cetacean innovation, possible ectoparasite removal, and habitat preferences.

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Evidence that Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins self-medicate with invertebrates in coral reefs

Cited by 6 publications

References 73 publications

Molecular Network Guided Cataloging of the Secondary Metabolome of Selected Egyptian Red Sea Soft Corals

Molecular Network Guided Cataloging of the Secondary Metabolome of Selected Egyptian Red Sea Soft Corals

The First Report of Pennella (Crustacea: Copepoda) Infesting Stenella coeruleoalba Stranded in Malta: Morphological and Genetic Analyses

Exfoliating Whales–Sandy Bottom Contact Behaviour of Humpback Whales

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