Why Do Spinner Dolphins Spin?
From our underwater observations, the spin seems to be an emotional “exclamation point” to whatever action happened just before the spin. It can accent any emotion from “I’m really happy that just happened” to a stern “listen to me now!” It may also be a teaching (or learning) demonstration, or simply, “I am a spinner, therefore I spin.” Interestingly, the textbook reason is to “rid themselves of parasites.” We also find this to be true. Watch this little spinner dolphin calf spin (four rotations!) to rid himself of the remora skimming around his shoulder region. (The video works in Windows Media Player.) Spinning may also serve as a courtship display, or to eject water from the upper respiratory tract, reset organs of balance, help mix fluid in the gut and venous reservoirs, or simply be for fun. It might also be important to spinner dolphins’ thermal budget since core and subcutaneous temperature are highest when the dolphins are spinning. Head-Over-Tail This aerial behavior is proba
