1. Cooperative Herding: Dolphins work together to herd fish into tight groups. They may surround a school of fish and then swim towards the shore, or they may drive fish into a shallow area where they are easier to catch.
2. Echolocation: Dolphins use echolocation to locate and track their prey. They emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects, including fish, and then interpret the echoes to create a mental image of their surroundings. This allows them to find fish even in murky water.
3. "Fish-Stun" Technique: Some dolphin species use a technique called "fish-stun" where they produce a powerful burst of air bubbles around a school of fish. This disorients the fish, making them easier to catch.
4. Individual Hunting: Dolphins can also hunt individually. They may use their speed and agility to chase down individual fish, or they may use their strong jaws to catch fish in shallow water.
5. Taking Advantage of Natural Phenomena: Dolphins can also take advantage of natural events like tides or currents to herd fish into areas where they are easier to catch.
It's important to note that dolphin hunting methods vary depending on the species, their location, and the type of fish they are hunting. However, all dolphins are highly intelligent and adaptable predators that have developed sophisticated techniques for catching their prey.