PALMAS, BRAZIL - Four gray river dolphins were spotted swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Remanso dos Botos Beach in Itaguatins, northern Tocantins state. In the video, the animals can be seen interacting with one another in a courtship process that includes what appears to be a mating dance and playful biting.

Photographer Fabiano Vieira, 36, captured the footage and said it is rare to find the animals in such shallow waters. He noted that he has lost count of how many times he has encountered river dolphins in the Tocantins River in the Bico do Papagaio region.

Biologist and Araguaia Institute President Silvana Campello explained that the behavior is typical of courtship displays used to attract a female. Such rituals may include dances, vocalizations, displays of vibrant colors, nest-building and food offerings.

“In this video, one dolphin uses its snout to lunge at another. It could be a mating-related gesture. Other dolphins often remain close to the pair during mating; this is normal,” Campello said.

Biologist Beatriz Vasconcelos said the dolphins may be accustomed to the presence and movement of people and, for that reason, may have remained in a shallow area near the beach shoreline.

“They are very friendly and curious animals, so they do not appear fearful and adapt well to human presence, especially when following fishing boats,” Vasconcelos said.

Rosaldo Santos, an environmentalist with the Association for the Preservation of Amazon River Dolphins, added that it is common for the animals to migrate for reproduction at this time of year.

“We have several males courting a female. The river dolphin of the Araguaia-Tocantins basin typically lives in groups, and at this time of year the males migrate for reproduction, avoiding inbreeding. It is a courtship scene,” Santos said.

Amazon Agency