Dolphin hunting mackerel C015 / 2821
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Dolphin hunting mackerel C015 / 2821
Short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) hunting blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus). The mackerel have formed a bait ball, a defensive manoeuvre performed by schooling fish that makes it harder for the predators to pick out individuals. However, it can also draw the attention of other predators, some of which have learnt how to take advantage of the bait ball. Photographed in the Azores
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9241343
© CHRISTOPHER SWANN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Animal Behaviour Atlantic Ocean Azores Bait Ball Baitball Balled Blue Jack Mackerel Cetacean Co Operation Cooperate Cooperation Corral Defence Defending Defense Defensive Delphinus Delphis Evasion Evasive Feeding Formation Hunting Mammal Predation Predator Prey Preying School Schooling Shoal Shoaling Short Beaked Common Dolphin Strategy Trachurus Picturatus Underwater
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a mesmerizing moment in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. In this image, a group of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are skillfully hunting blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus), forming what is known as a bait ball. The mackerel have come together in a defensive formation, creating an intricate dance that confuses and evades their predators. The beauty lies not only in the cooperative strategy displayed by these marine creatures but also in the complexity of their natural defense mechanisms. While schooling fish often form bait balls to protect themselves from predators, it can inadvertently attract other opportunistic hunters who have learned to take advantage of such gatherings. Photographed off the coast of Azores, this snapshot showcases nature's delicate balance between predator and prey. It offers us a glimpse into the fascinating world of animal behavior and highlights how species adapt and evolve to survive in their respective ecosystems. Christopher Swann's remarkable underwater photography brings this scene to life, capturing both the gracefulness and intensity present beneath the surface. This photograph serves as a reminder of our planet's diverse fauna and its interconnectedness within complex food chains.
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