Dolphins use tools to obtain fish in rare activity caught on camera

Live updates

1. 29d ago

   Australian dolphins filmed using seashells as tools to catch fish

   Australian researchers recorded dolphins using empty seashells to trap and eat fish for the first time. Two separate dolphin populations located thousands of kilometres apart on opposite sides of Australia appear to have independently developed this behavior. The dolphins chase fish into the shells and then tip the trapped prey into their mouths. Scientists expressed shock at the discovery, describing the activity as rare.

   Why it matters

   Tool use in marine mammals provides insight into cognitive abilities and cultural transmission. The fact that two distant groups use the same method suggests independent evolution of the behavior. This discovery marks the first time this specific tool use has been recorded.

   What is confirmed

   • Dolphins were recorded using seashells to catch fish for the first time.
   • Australian researchers filmed the dolphins using shells to trap prey.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Dolphins on opposite sides of Australia, thousands of kilometres apart, independently learned to chase fish into empty seashells and tip them into their mouths.

   What to watch next

   • Analysis of whether the behavior is being taught between individuals.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. oceanographicmagazine.com — Dolphins recorded using sea shells to catch fish for first time
   2. New York Post — ‘I was screaming’: Scientists shocked as dolphins filmed using shells to trap prey for the first time
   3. WCIV — MORNING BUZZ: Australian researchers catch dolphins using seashells as tools to catch fish
   4. KTLA — Dolphins use tools to obtain fish in rare activity caught on camera
   5. Space Daily — Dolphins on opposite sides of Australia, thousands of kilometres apart, appear to have independently learned to chase fish into empty seashells and tip the trapped meal into their mouths — two populations, one remarkably similar invention.
   confidence 90%