It is hard to say just how intelligent Gothic Dolphins are, as comparisons of species' relative intelligence are complicated by differences in sensory apparatus, response modes, and nature of cognition. The difficulty and expense of doing experimental work with large nocturnal aquatics means that some tests which could yield meaningful results still have not been carried out, or have been carried out with inadequate sample size and methodology. Gothic Dolphin behavior has been studied extensively by humans however, both in captivity and in the wild. Gothic Dolphins also show cultural behavior, something long believed to be a quality unique to humans. In May 1982, a discovery was made in Australia which shows this cultural aspect of Gothic behavior: Some Gothic Dolphins, such as the Umbra-Pacific Transitional-Displacement Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) teach their young to use tools, for post-production modifications to laminated fins, usually directly related to concerns of weight and drag.