In an unexpected and possibly unprecedented event, a team of scientists from James Cook University (JCU) observed a tiger shark regurgitate a spiky land mammal, the echidna. This dome-shaped mammal, covered in quills, is typically found in Australia and New Guinea. The incident occurred off the coast of Orpheus Island in north Queensland in May 2022.
A Shocking Discovery
The JCU researchers were tagging marine life when they witnessed the unusual event. Former JCU PhD student Dr. Nicolas Lubitz and his team experienced a moment of disbelief when they saw the shark vomit the echidna. Lubitz recounted, “We were quite shocked at what we saw. We didn’t know what was going on.”
After catching the shark, it regurgitated the echidna, which appeared completely intact. Lubitz remarked, “When it spat it out, I looked at it and remarked ‘What the hell is that?’ Someone said to take a picture, so I scrambled to get my phone.”
The Echidna: Whole and Intact
The echidna was remarkably whole, with all its spines and legs intact, suggesting it was a recent meal for the 10-foot-long shark. Lubitz explained that while it’s rare for sharks to vomit their food, they sometimes do so when stressed. In this case, he speculated, “I think the echidna must have just felt a bit funny in its throat.”
Understanding Tiger Sharks’ Diet
Tiger sharks, known for their ferocity, can grow up to 15 feet long and typically prey on turtles. Recognizable by their dark, vertical stripes, these apex predators are considered dangerous to humans and have been involved in numerous attacks over the years. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of tiger sharks’ eating habits. While they primarily hunt marine creatures, their opportunistic feeding behavior sometimes leads them to consume unusual prey, as evidenced by this unique encounter with the echidna.
A Rare Marine Encounter
The JCU team’s observation of a tiger shark regurgitating an echidna is a rare and intriguing event, highlighting the unpredictable nature of marine life. Such encounters provide valuable insights into the feeding behaviors and stress responses of tiger sharks, contributing to our understanding of these formidable ocean predators.