Orcas Use Algae as Brushes

June 30, 2025

Orcas have learned to wash each other with algae, using them as brushes. This unusual behavior was observed off the coast of North America - many specimens deliberately broke off the ends of the stems and rubbed their fellow orcas, cleaning the skin. According to scientists, this is the first recorded case of tool use for hygiene - such behavior has not been seen before in marine mammals.