Male dolphins 'use social play to hone mating skills years before they mature'

The researchers analysed 30 years of data, tracking the behaviour of young males, aged 4-14 years — and genetic paternity tests were used to find out how many offspring each dolphin fathered

Two bottlenose dolphins swimming together at Shark Bay in Western Australia. Male bottlenose dolphins are known to form lifelong bonds that help them find mates. Picture: Shark Bay Dolphin Research/PA Wire

Dolphins who spend more time playing with each other as youngsters will go on to father more offspring later in life compared to those who do not, a study suggests.

Male bottlenose dolphins are known to form lifelong bonds that help them find mates.