Dolphins living in Shark Bay, Australia have developed a rare, and extraordinary new behaviour.
The dolphins have become shell-collectors, using their snouts to pick up and transport large conchs.
The dolphins seek out the shells to hunt fish that are sheltering within.
It is likely that the dolphins originally chased the fish into the conchs, and have now learnt to bring the shells to the surface, where they can flush out and eat their prey.
We were lucky enough to witness a dolphin being innovative
Marine biologist Simon Allen
Dolphin innovators collect shells
The foraging tactic is "quite spectacular", say researchers, who have published photographs and details of the behaviour in the journal Marine Mammal Science.
To read the full, original article click on this link: BBC - Earth News - Dolphin innovators hunt fish by collecting conch shells
Author: Matt Walker
