06.07.2019 – Why, why – so high, high?

First, we spotted a group of Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), who were very quiet and in resting mode. There were only a few contacts and we let them go their way.

The Atlantic Spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were much more energetic in their behavior. Again and again the group could be seen hissing through the water, while white bellies flashed. The whole behavior was classic for mating activity.

The wonderful, high, acrobatic jumps inspired everyone on board! But WHY do dolphins jump? A major factor in this acrobatic activity is definitely communication.

With a jump, joy of life can be expressed. “Jipppi, life is beautiful.”, High and higher, the dolphin forces itself up towards the sky just to splash in the next moment into the blue.

With a jump, the state of affairs of dominance can be clarified. “Look, I’m stronger than you. Do not mess with me! My place in the ranking is superior to you.”

Jumping makes it easy to say, “Look, look how great I am. How about both of us? “In this case, a form beautiful form of impressing.

With a jump, thanks to the faster transmission of sound in the water, information can quickly be conveyed to members of the group, such as: “Hey, mates, I found fish.” – “Everyone meets.” – “Hello, my friends we’re changing direction!”

Some jumps serve practical reasons. What a simple way to get rid of parasites and skin particles in a joyful way and to ensure the fast sliding through the water.

With a loooong jump a distance can be covered much faster. The dolphin uses the fact that the air resistance is lower than the water resistance.

With a side splash into the water the dolphin can drive fish to another dolphin.

Many reasons for the jumps of the dolphins and who knows how many we have not explored yet. And why did the dolphins jump today? The mating behavior that was observed today was certainly a statement, such as: “Look, look how great I am. How about both of us? “And joy of life was definitely part of the game!

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Common dolphins

Stenella

15:30 Common dolphins, Atlantic Spotted dolphins