Scientists working on the Chinese island of Weizhou have observed remarkable hunting behaviour of Bryde's whales, which provides new insights into the strategies of marine predators. Among the most interesting discoveries is a newly described behaviour called "rotational feeding" or also "scooping attack".
The whales on Weizhou Island rotate on their own axis when hunting and scoop fish into their mouths. In addition, they work together in small groups to form coordinated circular formations to surround their prey. These techniques differ from the behaviour recorded in Thailand, for example, where Bryde's whales use bubble nets to drive fish away.
The behaviour has been described by social media users as a clever "wait-and-seek" strategy, confirming the high level of adaptability of this marine mammal species in different regions. The research also shows that fin whales can adapt their tactics to the type of fish found in a given area.
This discovery not only brings new insights into marine biology, but also raises awareness about the conservation of these fascinating creatures and their natural habitat.