Scientists Film a Dolphin Named Bubbles Terrifying a Fish Into Vomiting So He Could Eat Their Lunch

A wild bottlenose dolphin named Bubbles has been observed employing an astonishing hunting strategy that involves provoking fish to regurgitate their meals, revealing the remarkable intelligence and adaptability of these marine mammals. This unusual behaviour was documented off the coast of Lady Elliot Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef over a four-year study period, with findings recently published in the journal *Ecology and Evolution*.

The study offers a glimpse into a form of kleptoparasitism, where one animal benefits from the food gathered by another. However, in Bubbles’ case, he does not merely steal from other predators; instead, he forces the fish to eject their recent meals directly. This innovative technique showcases the dolphin’s unique approach to foraging.

Researchers captured stunning footage of Bubbles as he targeted schools of bigeye trevally, employing echolocation to identify fish that had recently been fed. Once he isolated a fish from its group, he would begin a relentless pursuit, increasing the stress levels of his target until it vomited its stomach contents. Bubbles would then quickly consume the regurgitated food before the fish swam away.

Over the four years, scientists documented Bubbles successfully employing this tactic 11 out of 20 attempts. The dolphin often repeated this technique multiple times in a single session, with recorded instances of up to ten chases within just half an hour. Throughout these hunts, Bubbles made various vocalisations, which researchers believe could have dual purposes: further stressing the fish to induce vomiting and aiding Bubbles in identifying which fish had the fullest stomachs.

According to Asia Armstrong, a marine scientist and co-author of the study from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Bubbles’ sophisticated use of echolocation allows him to discern subtle differences in the shape, size, and structure of potential targets. More research is required to confirm this theory, but it suggests that Bubbles is not just relying on instinct; his tactics may be methodical and calculated.

While it remains unclear whether Bubbles invented this technique independently, or learned it from observing other dolphins, researchers speculate that the method could prove advantageous on less successful hunting days. Lead author Romney Edwards-Francis noted that the frequent presence of the trevally school in the same location implies a reliable source of food for Bubbles when conventional hunting yields lesser results.

External experts, however, urge a cautious interpretation of Bubbles’ behaviour. Jason Bruck, a dolphin behavioural scientist at Stephen F. Austin State University, emphasised the difficulty in determining a dolphin’s intention during such actions. He suggests that it may be premature to conclude that Bubbles pursues the fish specifically with the expectation of inducing regurgitation.

This discovery has prompted researchers to reflect on the broader implications of dolphin behaviour. Armstrong pointed out that dolphins and whales are known to exhibit a variety of unique foraging strategies, which highlight their cognitive abilities, adaptability, and social learning. The observation of Bubbles adds to the growing body of evidence that these marine animals are capable of complex behaviours.

Bubbles’ hunting method not only illustrates an extraordinary example of animal behaviour but also underscores the need for ongoing research into the cognitive capabilities of dolphins. As scientists continue to explore the depth of their intelligence, such findings may yield further insights into the social and ecological dynamics of marine life.