SUMMARY
A research team in Queensland, Australia, has captured photographic and video evidence of bottlenose dolphins performing a rare hunting behavior known as 'shelling.' This technique involves dolphins using shells as tools to trap fish, shaking them on the surface until their prey slides into their jaws. The observation, made in the Great Sandy Marine Park, is the first official recording of this behavior on the east coast of Australia, with previous documentation existing only once before. Researchers noted both an adult female and its calf exhibiting this behavior, suggesting potential maternal social transmission of learned skills.
TAKEAWAYS
Dolphins were photographed and videoed performing 'shelling' in Australia.
Shelling is a rare hunting technique where dolphins use shells to trap fish.
This is the first official recording of shelling on Australia's east coast.
Evidence suggests juveniles may learn this behavior from their mothers.