Archive · 26 Oct 2025
Male Dolphins Wear Sponges as Wigs to Attract Mates
Imagine dolphins with cool hats!
Male humpback dolphins off Australia are doing just that, but instead of hats, they're wearing sea sponges.
Scientists think these 'sponge wigs' are to impress the girls!
This behavior is only seen in a specific area and not in all places where these dolphins live.
Another type of dolphin, the bottlenose dolphins, also uses sponges, but for a different reason: to help them find food.
The humpback dolphins are also vulnerable, meaning they need protection.
Male humpback dolphins have been observed carrying sea sponges on their heads.
This behavior is believed to be a mating tactic to attract female dolphins.
The phenomenon has only been observed off the coast of Western Australia.
Researchers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) are studying the dolphins.
Humpback dolphins are listed as vulnerable under the National Environmental Protection Act.
- Who
- Male humpback dolphins
- What
- Wear sea sponges on their heads
- When
- Observed recently
- Where
- Off the coast of Western Australia, Pilbara and Kimberley regions
- Why
- To attract female dolphins, mating tactic
- Dolphin Type
- Humpback
- Location
- Off the coast of Western Australia
- Observed Behavior
- Males wearing sea sponges on their heads
- Researcher
- Holly Raudino
- Purpose of Behavior
- To attract female dolphins
- Conservation Status
- Vulnerable