When observed pursuing jellyfish aggregations, what specific prey item are Yellow-Eyed Penguins actually targeting?
Answer
Small fish and larvae associated with the jellyfish.
Observations using specialized camera loggers have provided clarity on an interaction between Yellow-Eyed Penguins and jellyfish. Although penguins appear to pursue jellyfish aggregations, they are not consuming the gelatinous body tissue of the jellyfish itself. Instead, their attention is focused on the smaller organisms, specifically small fish and larvae, that happen to be sheltering within or closely associated with the jellyfish congregations, indicating they are still hunting for mobile, energy-dense prey.
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