Bizarre Video Shows Whale Frozen In The Middle Of The Ocean

By Chad Langen | Updated

The ocean, with its vast expanse and captivating beauty, never ceases to amaze and puzzle us. Every so often, its depths reveal something new, be it undiscovered species, age-old shipwrecks, or phenomena that leave us scratching our heads. Just recently, a man kayaking came across an astonishing sight: a frozen whale, seemingly standing on its head, showcasing yet another of the ocean’s endless surprises.

According to Science Alert, Brodie Moss, an Australian social media star was enjoying an ordinary day of kayaking off the Australian coast when he happened upon the frozen whale. The enormous humpback whale was completely still, its tail sticking out of the water directly ahead of Moss. He eagerly filmed his approach to the animal, wondering aloud about the scene unfolding before him.

This puzzling video shows a humpback whale seemingly frozen in place with its tail sticking out of the water.

Moss was clearly struck with awe by the display of the frozen whale. After taking a moment to let the reality of the situation sink in, he carefully submerged his handheld camera into the water, capturing the majestic sight of the massive whale with its offspring nestled close. The whales can be heard singing, a common behavior used as a way of communicating.

Moss described the sight of the frozen whale as the most remarkable thing he’d ever witnessed. However, marine biologists say it’s not rare for these creatures to raise their tails above water and remain motionless. The exact reason for this behavior is still debated, with theories ranging from specific seasons to particular locations.

Dr. Denise Risch, from the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban, informed MailOnline that the bizarre sight of a frozen whale is typically observed in humpback whale population, as well as in species like southern right, gray, and bowhead whales. She highlighted that humpback whales in Brazil also exhibit this behavior, indicating the location might influence it. In Brazil, every age group of humpbacks, except for calves, has shown this tendency.

The Mystery Of Frozen Whales, Explained

Risch also theorized that whales remaining motionless with their tails extended above the water, sometimes referred to as “frozen whales,” might be a way for them to rest or regulate their body temperature. Another theory she proposed is that this behavior helps sound waves travel more efficiently through water. Yet, concrete evidence supporting either idea remains elusive.

A humpback whale

Online discussions, including on platforms like Reddit, resonate with the idea that whales freeze in place for long periods of time to regulate their temperature. However, a more unusual theory proposed is that whales extend their tails above water while keeping their bodies submerged to experience a kind of rush.

The internet is rife with varying interpretations and theories about this behavior.

While Moss’s video may have garnered significant attention, he wasn’t the pioneer in capturing such an extraordinary sight. Back in 2016, a captivating video showcased a humpback whale, tail proudly raised above the water, appearing almost statuesque as a curious calf circled around it.

Online discussions resonate with the idea that whales freeze in place for long periods of time to regulate their temperature.

Building on this intrigue, a whale-watching enterprise in Western Australia managed to film similar enthralling events not once but twice, first in 2019 and then again the following year in 2020.