Orcas Observed Ramming Sunfish Carcasses Until They Explode
5 verified3 unconfirmed
Scientists have documented orcas in the Gulf of California ramming sunfish carcasses with such force that the prey break into small fragments. The behavior, described as a cooperative hunting technique or possible form of play, was reported in the journal Frontiers in Ethology. In the recorded events, one orca held a dead sunfish in its jaws while a second orca charged at high speed, striking the carcass just as it was released. Researchers suggested the tactic may help younger orcas feed more easily or could simply be for entertainment, noting that orcas are known for playing with their food.
What’s verified
Orcas were filmed ramming dead sunfish carcasses, causing them to fragment into small pieces.
The behavior involved one orca holding a sunfish carcass while a second orca charged at high speed and struck it.
Scientists cited possible explanations: helping younger orcas feed or play.
The observations were reported in the journal Frontiers in Ethology.
Kathryn Ayres of the nonprofit Beneath The Waves served as a co-author of the research.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that the first event was captured on a GoPro camera in July 2024 and included audio of a scientist’s shocked reaction, while the other source described the same event as filmed by a tourism operator.
The extent to which the behavior may be a cultural fad or a learned hunting strategy remains under investigation.
It is unclear whether the same group of orcas was involved in all observed ramming events.
Key figures
Kathryn Ayres, marine scientist at Beneath The Waves
Erick Higuera, marine biologist and wildlife cinematographer at Conexiones Terramar (mentioned in one source)
Sources: The Guardian, Ars Technica
