Do dolphins and manatees interact, and if they do, is it friendly?

Answer 1

Although their ranges overlap, I've never read of any evidence that they interact. Contrary to popular belief, neither animal is really that "friendly". Manatees are shy and often solitary. Dolphins, although frequently curious and inquisitive, are just as frequently agressive, skittish, or just plain disinterested.

Then again, neither animal eats anything remotely as large as the other, so they may not have any reason to be particulary agressive or fearful.

I have a hunch that the two species would avoid each other. If a chance encounter were to happen, they would probably ignore one another, possible investigate one another, and almost certainly not fight or harm one another.

Answer 2

Ben gave a good explanation, however, male dolphins are horney organism and tend to "mate" with any object. So there is a possibility that dolphins could interact with manatees in a more than friendly manner.