Dolphins in Queensland filmed using shells to hunt prey

Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast have captured the first visual evidence of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins using a hunting technique known as ‘shelling’ on Australia’s east coast. The behavior was documented in the Great Sandy Marine Park near Hervey Bay, Queensland.

Shelling involves dolphins chasing fish into large, empty seashells, bringing the shells to the surface, and shaking them to drain the prey into their mouths. While this behavior was previously documented in Shark Bay, Western Australia, these new recordings mark the first published record of the practice on the east coast.

The study also provides potential evidence of ‘maternal social transmission.’ Researchers observed an adult female dolphin and a calf engaging in the behavior, noting that the calf appeared to mimic the mother’s actions after an initial attempt. This observation suggests that dolphins may learn such complex tool-use skills from their parents rather than solely from peers.