The mesmerizing footage was captured by videographer Richard Kern, offering a glimpse into this enigmatic behavior exhibited by these intelligent marine creatures. In Florida Bay, sizeable tarpon congregate in significant numbers, indulging in shrimp feasts. However, the question remains: Why do dolphins engage in this peculiar food-flinging behavior?
This intriguing phenomenon isn’t confined to a specific geographical region. In fact, it has been observed in various locations, leaving experts to propose several explanations. Some suggest that dolphins partake in this activity simply for the joy of it, akin to a playful game. Others speculate that younger dolphins use this behavior to hone their hunting skills, practicing the art of catching prey in mid-air. These same explanations have been proposed for killer whales, the largest members of the oceanic dolphin family, when they exhibit similar behavior.
Charlie Phillips, a field officer with Whale and Dolphin Conservation, offers a unique perspective based on his observations of dolphins in northeast Scotland. In this region, dolphins often feast on sizeable fish like salmon. Phillips theorizes that the size of the prey may be a contributing factor to the food-flinging trend.
He explains, “I often get asked why dolphins sometimes throw salmon around. And people wonder if they are ‘playing’ with the fish. Dolphins need to feel that the fish they are trying to swallow fit properly and comfortably down the throat without hindrance or obstacles. Otherwise, the fish could become jammed or lodged.”
Interestingly, some individuals exhibit this behavior more frequently than others. For instance, a particular female known as “Zephyr” is renowned for her finicky eating habits and has been observed tossing fish nearly ten times before finally consuming them.
Smaller fish caught by dolphins tend to be swallowed quickly underwater, while larger prey often receives the tossing treatment. This intriguing behavior can serve various purposes, including tenderizing or breaking down the prey into more manageable portions.
The tarpon tossing witnessed in Florida might be attributed to the impressive size of these fish, which can reach lengths exceeding two meters (8 feet) and weigh up to 127 kilograms (280 pounds). However, as with many complex animal behaviors, it is likely a combination of factors that drive this fascinating phenomenon.
Food-throwing behavior may serve different motivations in distinct contexts. Some instances may indeed be playful, others might function as training exercises, and still more could be seen as safety drills during mealtime. Additionally, experts speculate that this behavior might serve as a display to intimidate other dolphins or potentially rivals.
Regardless of the exact explanation, this sighting is a promising sign for a region of Florida that has faced challenges such as seagrass die-offs, toxic algal blooms, unusually warm waters, and high sulfur levels in recent years. Hurricanes, like Irma, may have brought unforeseen ecological benefits to Florida Bay, reinvigorating the marine ecosystem and offering a bounty for the playful and innovative dolphins of the area.
