Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Dolphin's Unusual Feeding Strategy Documented

A study details the unique feeding behavior of a bottlenose dolphin nicknamed Bubbles off the coast of Australia, who appears to force fish to regurgitate their meals before consuming the vomit.

Scientists observed Bubbles, an adult male dolphin, repeatedly chasing bigeye trevally fish until they vomited, then eating the regurgitated food. This kleptoparasitism, or food stealing, was documented using GoPro cameras between June 2021 and October 2025 near Lady Elliot Island.

Researchers recorded Bubbles performing up to ten chases in 30 minutes, successfully obtaining regurgitated meals in 11 out of 20 observed foraging attempts. Before chasing, Bubbles made clicking sounds and head movements, which scientists suspect may be echolocation to identify fish with full stomachs.

The dolphin also produced repetitive clicking and low-frequency sounds during chases, potentially scaring the fish into regurgitating. Researchers are exploring reasons for this behavior, including learned opportunism or the vomit being an easier meal than the fish themselves.

While the behavior is compelling, some scientists caution against assigning intention, stating it's not yet proven that Bubbles deliberately pursues fish expecting them to regurgitate.

Kleptoparasitism is rarely documented in cetaceans, though it is common in birds. The study suggests such unconventional foraging tactics may be underreported in dolphins and other marine mammals.

The researchers highlight the challenges in monitoring underwater behaviors over extended periods and suggest that combining technologies like drones with underwater surveys could help capture a wider range of animal activities.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.