Lucky Sighting Captures Dolphins Using Empty Shells to Hunt Fish, a Rarely Seen Skill
Learn how some bottlenose dolphins in Australia skillfully use shells to catch and eat fish, a rare behavior recently observed in the wild.
In a surprising discovery, researchers from Australia have observed dolphins using empty shells as tools to catch fish, a rare behavior known as "shelling." The two instances were documented in 2025, representing the first recorded observations of this skill outside of Shark Bay, Western Australia. The researchers, led by Alexis Levengood from the University of the Sunshine Coast, describe the behavior as a testament to the specialized intelligence of bottlenose dolphins for foraging.
One observation involved a mother dolphin and her calf, suggesting that the skill might be passed down from mother to offspring. Despite its rarity, shelling could potentially be more widespread among dolphins, as it may help reduce competition for food. This newly discovered behavior illustrates the incredible adaptability and intelligence of these marine mammals.
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