See a Humpback Blow Bubble Rings — It’s Not What You’d Expect

Quick Take

• Humpback whales make bubble rings for reasons that have nothing to do with hunting, and the real explanation is stranger than you would expect. Discover the real reason →
• There's a key difference between a bubble ring and a bubble net, and confusing the two means missing what these whales are really doing. See how rings differ from nets →
• Pulling off this behavior requires a level of control that has left researchers genuinely puzzled about what it signals. Explore the skill involved →
• The moment whales choose to make these rings reveals something unexpected about their social lives. See the social context →

Humpback whales are some of the most magnificent creatures on earth. These massive animals exhibit unique behaviors not commonly seen in other animals. One example is the ring of bubbles that they make for reasons you might not expect. This Instagram post by @abx7ny shows a humpback whale making these rings. Read here to learn more!

Why Humpback Whales Make Rings

The video linked above is a great look at this unique behavior. In the video, rings of bubbles reach the surface of the ocean before the humpback itself emerges. Although it can be a little difficult to see, this behavior is a lesser-known trait of these whales. To do this, the whale releases air from its blowhole underwater, forming a doughnut-shaped poloidal vortex — a rolling, spinning ring of bubbles that rises to the surface much like an underwater smoke ring. While simple in concept, it requires precise muscular control for whales to execute it. The practice has left researchers extremely curious.

Humpback whales make bubble rings for reasons a bit different than other whale species. Bubble rings are different than bubble nets. Bubble nets are a form of hunting by humpbacks that involves them circling underwater while blowing air from their blowhole. The rising bubbles form a wall that traps prey for the whale to eat in one big gulp. However, bubble rings seem to be a simpler action. Researchers have found that bubble rings are typically released during calm moments, rather than during intense hunting activity. This has led to theories that the rings are a form of play or a display of curiosity about the environment or people around them. Although this idea is still theoretical, some believe that bubble rings serve as a form of communication and social interaction. What the rings really mean remains unclear, but they are an amazing sight regardless.