Jumping sharks or dolphins? What are people spotting in Brisbane River?

Residents have seen jumping creatures in the Brisbane River in recent weeks – are they leaping sharks or playful dolphins? Who can solve the mystery?

Brisbane residents report seeing jumping creatures in the river at West End with some swearing they spotted dolphins and others adamant that they are sharks.

And a Queensland shark biologist says they could be either.

A shark leaps out of the water.

“There are definitely bull sharks in the Brisbane River and as I have seen dolphins in the Yarra in Melbourne there is a chance they could be in the Brisbane River too,” Dr Leonardo Guida said.

“Brisbane is one of the few cities in the world where sharks and people live side-by-side inner city.

“Shark sightings usually increase when there has been quite a bit of rain.”

Are there dolphins in the Brisbane River at West End? Picture: Marianna Boorman

People have taken to Facebook to report the sightings with some spotted around the rowing sheds in West End.

“Bull sharks come up the river to breed or give birth,” he said.

“There are so many people who use the river that it would seem the sharks are not of great danger but if there has been a sighting in an area then it might be a good idea to stay out of the water for a little while.”