SERIAL SNACKERS PROVIDE A SURPRISE OR SIX<\/p>\n
Lead author and PhD candidate Christine Barry says the research shows whale sharks have a larger number of serial feeding behaviours compared to other giant filter feeders like baleen whales and basking sharks.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not surprising that the biggest fish in the oceans is so food oriented given they eat some of the smallest prey.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we didn\u2019t realise is just how many ways they go about it compared to other large filter-feeding animals like whales and basking sharks,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Barry says \u201ctheir wide range of (serial) feeding strategies (from actively suctioning prey-filled water to sinking with their mouths open) means they can maximise feeding in different environments\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThis flexibility likely explains how they thrive in tropical waters, where food is more scarce and patchy,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Footage from cameras attached to the dorsal fins of five whale sharks, slow feeding behaviours were found to be the most frequent and captured at all depths.<\/p>\n Research co-author and AIMS research scientist Dr Luciana Ferreira says the study also highlights the importance of Ningaloo Reef<\/a> to the serial snacking whale sharks.<\/p>\n \u201cThese findings show how Ningaloo is a safe pantry for the sharks to snack and shows the importance of the ongoing protection for Ningaloo Reef,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n A paper on this research has been published in the journal Marine Biology.<\/p>\n AIMS has been Australia\u2019s tropical marine research agency for 50 years and conducts research for governments,\u00a0industry and the public. Click here to visit their website at https:\/\/www.aims.gov.au\/<\/a><\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/whaleshark2-600x400.jpg\")
<\/a>FILE \u2026 A whale shark and a research vessel at Ningaloo Reef. Photo: AIMS\/ Andre Rerekura<\/p>\n