Have there been verified cases of whale deaths due to lightning strikes. How do large sea creatures react to thunder and lightning? Any evidence that they dive to deeper depth to stay away from the sound and light show that must occur frequently in oceans.
The ocean is almost completely saltwater, which is a very good conductor of electricity (better than flesh, certainly). They’re basically surrounded by a conductive material, which is a common way to protect against electrical shock. Unless a whale is on the surface and directly struck by lightning, they’re probably fine.
According to the folks on Tanked fish aren’t that bothered by loud noises or things hitting their tank because they’re used to thunder, which is much louder.
You do realize a whale is not a fish I hope? They are actually very sensitive to sound and as I recall can tell a t-storm is coming from pretty far off.
I doubt we have any recorded lightning strikes of whales but its a big ocean and probably has happened very rarely.
I’m not sure if this is an obligatory XKCD link, but I though electro-fishing for whales might be related at least.