Study reveals unprecedented record of dolphins using hunting tools in Australia
Rare dolphin activity has been recorded off the coast of Australia, corroborating the findings of a recently released study.
The images were taken by researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast on two separate occasions: in July 2025 and again in October 2025. However, the research was only made public this month.
On the same topic: Innovative behavior: dolphins in Australia use shells to hunt fish
In the July video, an adult female dolphin was seen entrapping her prey in large gastropod shells. Then, she removed the shells from the water and tilted them so that the fish flowed directly into her mouth.
In October, a mother and calf pair were observed repeating the same behavior, scientists reported. This was the first concrete proof that the ability is transmitted directly from mother to offspring.
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Both incidents took place in Hervey Bay, a coastal region in the province of Queensland, Australia. According to the study, this is the first time that there are video records of the technique being used outside Shark Bay, Western Australia, which suggests that dolphins on the country’s east coast have developed the ability to use shells as tools autonomously.
The researchers noted that the phenomenon, however, is likely underreported “due to the brief nature of the foraging strategy.”
