Humpback Whales Form Massive Super-Groups Off South Africa Coast
Humpback whales are forming huge groups called 'super-groups' off the coast of South Africa. These whales normally live alone, but photographers captured several of these massive gatherings in December 2025.
Humpback whales are doing something they've never done before - forming massive groups with hundreds of whales swimming together.
Photographers Monique and Chris Fallows captured several of these 'super-groups' over two days in December 2025 off South Africa's west coast. The scenes were described as chaotic, with whales packed tightly together in the water.
This behavior puzzles scientists because humpback whales are normally solitary creatures. They typically swim alone or in very small groups of just a few whales.
Researchers published their findings about these super-groups in the scientific journal PLOSone. The phenomenon has been happening for the past few years, but scientists still don't know what's causing it.
The mystery deepens because these gatherings represent a complete change in humpback whale behavior patterns that have been consistent for decades.
This strange new behavior could signal major changes in ocean food supplies or whale populations. Scientists don't understand why it's happening, which makes it harder to protect these marine animals.
Scientists will study more super-group sightings to understand what's causing this new whale behavior.
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