Hooligan Dolphins (VIDEO)

Cell Press

Caption

This video, taken by drone, shows adult male Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) from a second-order alliance called the Hooligans. These three males spend time petting each other, e.g., using pectoral fins and tail flukes to rub against each other. These gentle contact behaviors play an important role in maintaining the strong social bonds between allied male dolphins.

Credit

Simon J Allen at the Dolphin Alliance Project

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