01/09/2026
Beneath the waves, dolphin society is anything but simple. From playful contact to complex alliances, our resident bottlenose dolphins are giving us a rare look at how social bonds, rivalry, and family support shape life in the sea. Between 2021 and 2024, bottlenose dolphins were observed actively socializing during six sightings, approximately 10% of the total time observed throughout this period. We define “actively socializing” as individuals engaging with each other in constant physical contact. This can be observed as playing, possibly showing signs of aggressiveness to reinforce social standing or possible mating interactions. Possible mating was noted in all six of these sightings.
Male dolphins form alliances in pairs or trios, sometimes bonding with other alliances to create multitied alliances, they use these coalitions to coerce and herd females in order to perform these mating interactions. They can be quite aggressive, hence the many scars and notches on their fins and bodies. Female dolphins have sophisticated memories and social tracking abilities which they use to avoid aggressive partners. They also form long-lasting bonds, especially with their offspring, but also with other adult females who can be known as babysitters. It certainly takes a village to raise children, and dolphins are no different than humans needing a strong support system.
Every fin, scar, splash, and interaction tells part of a bigger story, and we’re here to decode it one sighting at a time. Follow our research group for field updates, dolphin ID stories, behind-the-scenes science, and new discoveries from the water.
