A solitary rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) in a superport area on northern Rio de Janeiro State, SE Brazil

Abstract

The solitary behavior is an unusual and peculiar behavior reported in a few sociable dolphin species. This study presents the solitary behavior of an adult rough-toothed dolphin, Steno bredanensis, in the Açu Superport (21º49’S; 041º00’W), northern Rio de Janeiro State, SE Brazil. Data about the dolphin were obtained from mobile phone videos and reports by local professionals. Probably, the same dolphin was there since 2017-2018 up to April 2020 (at least). In general, the solitary dolphin swims next to supply boats navigating along the port internal channel, and it rarely continues towards open sea. The dolphin plays with buoys and containment barriers, rubs itself against hulls, and bow-rides and jumps. There is no report of people swimming with this solitary dolphin, touching it, or offering it food in the Açu Superport. Thus, there seems to be no threats to the animal’s integrity locally.