Why Some Dolphins Use Sponges as Tools

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]Some dolphins wear sponge helmets. In parts of Australia, certain bottlenose dolphins hold marine sponges on their snouts. They press the sponge onto the seafloor. Then they probe into sand. The sponge shields their rostrum from scrapes and stings.

[00:00:19]This clever trick, called sponging, helps them find hidden prey like fish.

[00:00:26]Young dolphins learn the habit from their mothers.

[00:00:29]It becomes a cultural trick passed down.

[00:00:32]Spot a dolphin near sand, it may be packing a clever DIY tool.