AIMS, Murdoch University Identify 6 New Whale Shark Feeding Behaviors at Ningaloo Reef
Updated
Updated · NewsCop · Jul 25
AIMS, Murdoch University Identify 6 New Whale Shark Feeding Behaviors at Ningaloo Reef
3 articles · Updated · NewsCop · Jul 25
Summary
Six newly documented whale shark feeding behaviors emerged from AIMS and Murdoch University research at Ningaloo Reef, expanding the known behavior count to 36, with 12 tied to foraging.
Five camera-tagged whale sharks showed slow-feeding strategies were most common and occurred at all depths, including newly described “gliding slow feeding” and “dive feeding.”
Around 100 journal articles were also reviewed, helping researchers conclude whale sharks use more serial feeding strategies than other giant filter feeders such as baleen whales and basking sharks.
Researchers said that flexibility helps whale sharks exploit scarce, patchy prey in tropical waters, while underscoring Ningaloo Reef’s role as a protected feeding ground.