Bowhead Whale Epidermal Molting | Balaena mysticetus

This pair of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticeus) from the endangered Okhotsk Sea subpopulation clearly exhibit signs of epidermal molting. Bowhead whales engage in exfoliation during the northern hemisphere summer by rubbing against rocks in shallow water. Possible reasons why the whales do this include shedding of ectoparasites such as whale lice (cyamids) and diatoms, as well as the replacement of skin damaged by sun exposure. Relatively warm temperatures in shallow water during the summer months may also be conducive to stimulating epidermal growth by promoting greater cutaneous bloodflow and delivery of nutrients and hormones to facilitate replacement of skin.

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Image Size: 4877x3251 / 45.7MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Whale Bowhead Whale Animalia Chordata Mammalia Cetacea Mysticeti Balaenidae Balaena mysticetus Arctic Whale Baleen Whale CITES Appendix 1 Greenland Right Whale Marine Mammal Mysticete Polar Whale Russian Whale Okhotsk Sea Bowhead Whale Subpopulation Endangered: IUCN Red List Steeple-Top Whale Socializing Aerial Russia Sea of Okhotsk
Contained in galleries: Bowhead Whales, Aerial

This pair of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticeus) from the endangered Okhotsk Sea subpopulation clearly exhibit signs of epidermal molting. Bowhead whales engage in exfoliation during the northern hemisphere summer by rubbing against rocks in shallow water. Possible reasons why the whales do this include shedding of ectoparasites such as whale lice (cyamids) and diatoms, as well as the replacement of skin damaged by sun exposure. Relatively warm temperatures in shallow water during the summer months may also be conducive to stimulating epidermal growth by promoting greater cutaneous bloodflow and delivery of nutrients and hormones to facilitate replacement of skin.