"Researchers analyzed 66 videos and photographs of whales with their mouth hanging open, defining gaping as a whale opening its mouth outside of a feeding event."
"The findings suggest that humpback whales may be gaping for various reasons, including socializing, playing, cleaning their baleen, or even stretching their mouths."
Humpback whales are observed gaping with their mouths open even when not feeding, a behavior that remains unexplained. Researchers analyzed 66 videos and photographs of this phenomenon taken between 2014 and 2025. They defined gaping as the act of opening the mouth outside of feeding events. Possible explanations for this behavior include socializing, playing, cleaning baleen, jaw dislocation, or stretching. The study highlights the potential of social media in identifying rare animal behaviors.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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