Here’s something you don’t see every day: river dolphins launching streams of pee into the air. Yes, you read that right. Researchers studying these aquatic mammals in central Brazil noticed something unusual – male dolphins rolling onto their backs, exposing their genitals, and spraying urine as high as 3 feet into the air. And it’s not just a solo act. Other dolphins seemed to get in on the action, chasing the streams with their snouts like it was some kind of aquatic game.

So, what’s going on? While it might look like a bizarre bathroom break, experts think there’s more to it. This behavior could be a form of communication among the dolphins. In the animal world, spraying urine isn’t uncommon – many species use it to mark territory, signal dominance, or even flirt with potential mates. For river dolphins, the chemicals in their urine might carry messages about their health or social status, making this a high-stakes pee-off rather than just a weird habit.

The research team, who published their findings in Behavioral Processes, were surprised by the discovery. “We were really shocked,” one researcher admitted, noting this was something entirely new in dolphin behavior studies.

While we’re still not entirely sure why these dolphins are doing this, one thing’s clear: nature never fails to amaze. Whether it’s a social signal, a territorial display, or just a quirky way to stand out, these river dolphins are definitely making a splash – literally.