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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Science
Vishwam Sankaran

Dolphins caught on camera using seashells to catch fish for first time

Scientists have captured footage of bottlenose dolphins using seashells to catch fish off the Queensland coast, a discovery that sheds light on how the marine mammals learn new tricks.

Researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast recorded two separate sightings of bottlenose dolphins engaging in the tool-use behaviour, known as “shelling”, in the Great Sandy Marine Park off Hervey Bay between July and October 2025.

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