Marine biologists have learned about the unusual hunting characteristics of dolphins, reports Science Alert. The main subjects of the study were bottlenose dolphins, which have the ability to locate mines. The research is not related to military purposes. U.S. Navy personnel attached cameras and audio recording equipment to six trained dolphins and recorded data for six months to understand how dolphins behave and communicate in open waters. During this period, the dolphins hunted various species of fish, including perch, grouper, halibut, pufferfish, and smelt. They even caught venomous sea snakes by jerking their heads to swallow their prey. It was also found that most fish are caught by dolphins near the bottom. Interestingly, dolphins suck in their prey if it puts up a strong resistance. This ability is also utilized by whales and other large marine animals. Additionally, it was revealed that dolphins almost constantly click while hunting, with intervals ranging from 20 to 50 milliseconds. As they approach their prey, the clicks become so rapid that they turn into buzzing, and then the dolphin starts to squeal. When the fish is in the dolphin's mouth, the buzzing and squealing do not stop until it swallows the catch. Dolphins use both sight and hearing to locate their prey. At long distances, they employ echolocation, while at close range, they apparently use sight and echolocation together.
