What dominated the stomach contents of juvenile sharks studied off the east Australian coast?
Pelagic fish like eastern Australian salmon
A detailed study focusing on juvenile great white sharks located off the east Australian coast provided findings that somewhat contradicted the generalized view that sub-adults exclusively hunt marine mammals. This research showed a surprising reliance on piscine sources in that region. The stomach contents of these younger sharks were dominated by pelagic fish, with eastern Australian salmon being the most significant component. Furthermore, the analysis also confirmed significant consumption of bottom-dwelling fish and various rays. This suggests that where accessible marine mammal colonies are scarce or where juveniles are still developing, the available fish populations form the essential nutritional foundation.
