Shallow water foraging using a shoreline boundary by the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Sousa chinensis in northern Australia

Abstract

Observations of two specialised feeding behaviours (strand-feeding and repetitive tail-slapping) by the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Sousa chinensis during one feeding event in northern Australia are reported for the first time. These observations provide insights into the type of foraging habitats and niches of this shy coast dwelling species. The feeding behaviours are compared with similar behaviours of other toothed whales and dolphins.