Cory's sheerwaters (Calonectris diomedea) hunting blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus). The mackerel have formed a bait ball due to the presence

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Cory's sheerwaters (Calonectris diomedea) hunting blue jack mackerel (Trachurus picturatus). The mackerel have formed a bait ball due to the presence of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). A bait ball is a defensive manoeuvre performed by schooling fish that makes it harder for the predators to pick out individuals. However, it can also draw the attention of other predators, some of which have learnt how to take advantage of the bait ball. Photographed in the Azores.

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Size: 5197px × 3459px
Photo credit: © CHRISTOPHER SWANN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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