Video: watson/Julia Schwamborn
July 23, 2026, 1:48 p.mJuly 23, 2026, 1:48 p.m
Orcas are known to be highly intelligent and ruthless hunters. To do this, they rely on a veritable repertoire of hunting strategies and even kill species that are larger than themselves. Researchers recently observed a previously unknown, puzzling behavior in the Gulf of California (Mexico): an orca held the carcass of a sunfish, whose members can weigh up to two tons and are three meters long, whereupon another orca shot at the fish at full speed. The result was that the sunfish shattered into countless pieces.
A juvenile in the group then began to eat the sunfish particles. The adult orcas attacked the remains of the body, but ignored the small pieces.
Not just parental care
“We suspect that this makes it easier for younger orcas to eat,” explains marine biologist Dr. Kathryn Ayres, who captured the phenomenon on camera, in Scientific journal Frontiers. The observed behavior could be interpreted, among other things, as a form of parental care. Dividing the carcass into pieces that are easier for the calf to handle is consistent with previously observed behaviors. “Orcas often tear their prey apart and share it with other group members, including calves and young animals,” explains Ayres.
However, according to the researcher, one cannot rule out that it is purely entertainment. “Orcas are known for playing with their prey,” explains the marine biologist.
Researchers are continually discovering new techniques that orcas use to hunt and process their prey. “They are among the most famous marine predators in the world and yet they continue to surprise us,” says Ayres. (jus)
Video: watson/Julia Schwamborn
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