Gulf of California – Researchers observed orcas using a previously undescribed hunting behavior in which one orca holds a sunfish while another strikes it at high speed, causing the fish’s tissue to break apart.

The observations were recorded during two separate hunting events more than one year apart. The behavior involved sharp-tail sunfish, which can grow over three meters long and weigh up to 2,000 kilograms.

In July 2024, a group of orcas, including a juvenile, interacted with a dead sharp-tail sunfish they had previously killed. A female orca held the sunfish by its large tail fin while a male orca accelerated toward it. Just before impact, the female released the fish, and the collision caused the tissue to fragment into thousands of pieces.

The juvenile then began eating smaller pieces of the sunfish, while the adult orcas fed on what remained of the body.

A similar event was filmed in September 2025, showing the same hold-to-ram and feeding behavior.

Researchers said the high-impact strikes appear to be a way of processing prey rather than delivering a killing blow, because the sunfish were already dead during both events. The coordinated actions suggest one orca stabilized the carcass while another hit it more precisely.

The behavior may help younger orcas feed more easily, or it could also serve a social purpose. “We think this may help younger orcas feed more easily or it could also just be for fun. Orcas are known for playing with their food,” said Dr. Kathryn Ayres.

“Orcas often tear apart prey and share it with other members of the group, including calves and juveniles,” Ayres said.

Researchers noted that more footage is needed to identify whether the same orcas were involved in both events. “Collecting good identification photographs whenever possible is key: we are still seeing new techniques of how orcas hunt and process their prey,” Ayres concluded. “They’re one of the most iconic marine predators in the world, yet they continue to surprise us.”

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