IN THe NeWS
Strewth Mate!
Monster Fish Swallows Turtle Whole Down Under
A 150-kilogram Queensland grouper washed
ashore on Townsville Strand had swallowed
a green turtle whole before it died,
experts say.
D
PI veterinary pathologist Dr Ian Anderson found the dead 40centimetre turtle inside the 2.2 metre long grouper following
an autopsy on the giant fish.
Groupers are classed as ‘top level’ predators, and are known to
eat spiny lobsters, fish, small sharks, turtles and stingrays.
Queensland's biggest recorded grouper measured more than three
metres long and weighed 288 kilograms.
Dr Anderson said when he arrived at Townsville Strand the fish
was lying on its side in shallow water and in obvious distress.
“It died a short time later and we have taken a number of samples
for further analysis,” he said.
“I do not believe the grouper's final meal of a juvenile green turtle
actually killed the fish and there were no external injuries.”
“But the lining of the stomach was red and inflamed so I'm waiting
on bacteriology tests to find out the cause of death.”
Swallowed whole... the turtle is removed from the stomach of a
monster grouper.
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