Behaviors: Tail Lobbing
Whales are sometimes known to lift their flukes and forcefully slap the surface of the water in an action described as a tail lob. For many species of whales tail lobbing is a signal of aggression or agitation. The behavior may also be used as a form of attention seeking communication as well as an expression of social solicitation.
Sperm whales within social units do not tail lob as frequently as some other whales, however we have observed this behavior on a few occasions. In each instance the fluke slapping appeared to be a non-aggressive means of expressing joyful exuberance. For example, we have seen calves demonstrate gentle tail lobs while engaged in playful activity during socialization periods.
Rap from Unit R has displayed this behavior on several occasions in successive years. Her first bout of robust tail lobbing occurred at the completion of our 2016 field study after we had spent considerable time with her social group. During our final in-water encounter, she grew more interactive and excitedly began to slap her flukes on the surface.
The following year she initiated contact with researchers by briefly breaking away from her traveling social group to join us in the water for several minutes. As soon as she had assured our undivided attention, she inverted her body to perform a series of enthusiastic lobs.
We will continue to watch for this behavior during future field sessions as we would like to collect more information to inform our understanding of tail lobbing among sperm whales.
