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Lucky Sighting Captures Dolphins Using Empty Shells to Hunt Fish, a Rarely Seen Skill
Researchers documented two shelling events in 2025, including a mother and calf, suggesting the rare foraging skill may be passed between generations.
- Recently, Australian researchers observed Indo-Pacific dolphins using empty shells as tools to trap fish at the Great Sandy Marine Park in Queensland. This rare behavior, known as 'shelling,' was captured in two separate events during 2025.
- Shelling was previously observed only in Shark Bay, Western Australia, where less than 2 percent of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population uses this specialized foraging technique. The behavior remained largely unstudied until now.
- Mother dolphins Stevie Nicks and Maserati, along with calves, demonstrated the skill in parallel behaviors that suggest observational learning. These parallel behaviors are 'suggestive of social transmission between mother and offspring through observational learning,' wrote study authors.
- Shelling requires specialized skills to handle shells as tools, potentially reducing competition for food among Indo-Pacific dolphins. Researchers note this behavior is performed largely by females, as males focus on social endeavors and mate-seeking.
- Lead author Alexis Levengood of the University of the Sunshine Coast published findings in Marine Mammal Science showing how Tursiops dolphins master complex tools. The discovery underscores specialized knowledge within Indo-Pacific populations across geographic regions.
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Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 25%
C 75%
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