PORTO VELHO, BRAZIL — A rare wildlife encounter has drawn the attention of millions of people on social media. During a fishing trip on the Guaporé River in Pimenteiras do Oeste, Rondônia state, a river dolphin was filmed hurling an electric fish out of the water with powerful strikes of its tail.

The video, recorded by Bruno José, has surpassed two million views. The footage shows the dolphin's tail breaking the surface before launching the fish high into the air.

The behavior is repeated at least six times. With each strike, the fish flips through the air before falling back into the water.

Biologist Flávio Terassini said the behavior may be part of the dolphin's hunting or defensive strategy. The animal uses its tail to throw the fish out of the water, apparently attempting to kill it with the impact when it falls back.

The strategy is similar to behavior observed in orcas, which are also cetaceans and close relatives of river dolphins, according to Terassini.

In addition to capturing an unusual moment involving Amazon wildlife, Bruno José said he believes the video helps showcase Rondônia's natural beauty and promotes tourism in the region.

Amazon Agency