A new study has uncovered an unusual behavior in Amazon river dolphins—they flip upside down in the water and spray streams of water into the air. Scientists in Canada observed male dolphins performing this maneuver and started asking: why do they do it?
Possible Explanations
🔹 A form of communication – This could be a way to send chemical signals, similar to how some fish and crustaceans use scent to indicate dominance or readiness to mate.
🔹 Marking territory – In rivers, currents quickly wash away traces, but spraying into the air might create a more lasting marker for other dolphins.
🔹 Play and entertainment – Dolphins are highly curious and playful. Maybe they just enjoy the sound of water droplets, the bubbles, or the sensation of pressure when they release it.
🔹 A social trend – Dolphins learn from each other, so if one started, others may have followed just for fun.
🔹 Part of a mating ritual – Given that dolphins have complex social interactions, this could be a courtship display, where males try to attract attention in a unique way.
What’s Next?
This fascinating behavior adds a new layer to the study of dolphin communication. Future research may reveal that it’s a sophisticated way of signaling, or perhaps it’s simply another creative way for dolphins to enjoy themselves.