started · updated
Dolphins in Australia observed using shells to hunt fish
Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast have documented Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) using a complex hunting technique known as ‘shelling’ in Hervey Bay, Queensland. Between July and October 2025, biologists observed dolphins using large, empty gastropod shells, specifically Melo amphora (bailer shells), to trap fish. The dolphins maneuver the shells to the surface and shake them to release the prey.
This observation marks the first scientific report of this behavior on Australia's east coast, suggesting that the technique is not limited to Shark Bay on the opposite side of the continent. The footage also provides evidence of potential social learning, as one instance captured a calf attempting to use a shell to catch fish shortly after observing its mother perform the same action. The findings were published in the journal Marine Mammal Science.
Entities
Hervey Bay · Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin · Melo amphora · Queensland · University of the Sunshine Coast
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The shelling behavior was observed in Hervey Bay, Queensland, between July and October 2025. triplenlace.com · www.epochtimes.fr · www.generation-nt.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The dolphins used Melo amphora shells, also known as bailer shells, for this hunting method. www.epochtimes.fr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) were observed using large gastropod shells to trap fish. triplenlace.com · www.epochtimes.fr · www.generation-nt.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] This is the first scientific report of shelling behavior on the east coast of Australia. www.epochtimes.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A calf was observed imitating its mother's shell-fishing technique shortly after watching her. triplenlace.com