Association between burst‐pulse sounds and aggressive behavior in captive Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

A specific display observed during agonistic behavior among captive Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) was examined. The primary component of the display was an open‐mouthed posture accompanied by violent vertical head motions and the emission of pulse‐type vocalizations. Jaw‐clap behavior produced during the display was quantified for use as an index of aggressive motivation. By aurally monitoring the animals' vocalizations it was found that the level of aggressive response between the participants of the interactions increased with the production and subsequent duration of burst‐pulse sounds. The possibility of burstpulse sounds resulting in auditory or tactile discomfort when directed toward conspecifics is discussed.