The octopus toss is by far one of the most spectacular feeding events we observe in the Dawesville Cut and the coastal waters off Mandurah.
Dolphins feed on a large variety of fish and although they may specialize in and target certain species, they are also opportunistic feeders who catch what they can, when they can – including these rather unlucky eight-legged lunches.
Most often the octopus gets tossed multiple times – we have counted up to 15 – presumably to disable and dismember the tentacles to ensure a safe swallow for the dolphin.
We have observed this behaviour throughout the year, with each feeding event involving a different dolphin.
Octopus tossing has also been observed north and south of Mandurah in Cockburn Sound and in Bunbury, locations where dolphin research has been recorded for over a decade.
Outside this south-west region of Western Australia, dolphins are known to feed, and potentially play with octopuses in other parts of Australia, and also globally.
Just last week in an unsuccessful attempt to escape from being eaten, an octopus attached itself to a dolphin off Port Macquarie in New South Wales.
Similar interactions have been observed in Greece and also in New Zealand.
Interestingly, but not surprisingly, in Mandurah it is not just the dolphins that get to enjoy octopus as a treat.
We have also observed several cormorants feeding on little octopus and this week a sea lion having a feast on one.
It appears that where octopus and large marine predators share space, the octopus ends up on the menu.
The MDRP is a partnership between Murdoch University, City of Mandurah, Peel Development Commission, John and Bella Perry, Mandurah Cruises and Mandurah Dolphin Rescue that commenced in January 2016.
They are measuring how many dolphins use the Peel-Harvey waterways and how they are connected to dolphins in nearby coastal waters.
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