Dolphins hunting mackerel C014 / 1779
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Dolphins hunting mackerel C014 / 1779
Short-beaked common dolphins (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 9264975
© 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 Dolphins Evasion Evasive Feeding Formation Hunting Mammal Predation Predator Prey Preying School Schooling Shoal Shoaling Short Beaked Common Dolphin Spherical Strategy Trachurus Picturatus Underwater
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a mesmerizing moment in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. In this underwater scene, a pod of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) is seen hunting Blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) amidst the stunning backdrop of the Azores. The mackerel have cleverly formed a bait ball, a defensive formation that confuses predators by creating a swirling mass of fish, making it difficult for them to single out individuals. However, this ingenious defense mechanism also attracts other predators who have learned to take advantage of such opportunities. The photograph beautifully showcases how nature's delicate balance unfolds as multiple species converge upon this spectacle. The image perfectly illustrates the intricate strategies employed by marine life for survival and sustenance. It highlights not only the cooperative behavior exhibited by these intelligent mammals but also sheds light on their remarkable ability to adapt and exploit available resources. Photographer Christopher Swann skillfully captures this dynamic interaction between predator and prey, offering us an extraordinary glimpse into the fascinating world beneath our oceans' surface. Through his lens, we are reminded once again of nature's awe-inspiring beauty and its complex web of interconnections. This print from Science Photo Library serves as both an artistic masterpiece and an educational tool, inviting viewers to appreciate the wonders of animal behavior while deepening our understanding of marine biology and ecology.
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