Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast recently documented rare footage of dolphins using seashells to hunt fish. This activity, known as shelling, involves dolphins chasing prey into empty shells, bringing them to the surface, and shaking the shells to trap the fish for consumption. While this behavior was previously reported in Western Australia, this new footage marks the first time it has been recorded on the east coast of the country.
Alexis Levengood, a marine mammal expert, led the research team during the observation near Hervey Bay. The documentation captured in the Great Sandy Marine Park shows a female dolphin performing the act, which confirms the existence of the hunting strategy in this region. The clarity of the footage provides significant data for scientists studying marine mammal behavior.
Beyond the hunting technique itself, the team observed an adult female dolphin and her calf performing the behavior together. This observation suggests that mother dolphins teach this skill to their calves, indicating social learning. This finding challenges previous assumptions that dolphins only acquire such tool-use skills from their peers.
This study provides evidence of how dolphins adapt and innovate their hunting strategies across different environments. The ability to use tools in the same manner despite being thousands of miles apart highlights the cognitive capabilities of these marine mammals. Experts plan to continue monitoring these populations to better understand the origins of such complex animal behaviors.