A gang of orcas off the coast of Mexico has been observed hunting whale sharks, the world’s largest shark species, in a brutal and fascinating manner. Researchers have noted that one male orca, named Moctezuma, is often present during these hunting events, suggesting he may be leading this predatory behavior.
Whale sharks are known to be the largest fish in the sea, reaching lengths of up to 40 feet and weighing up to 40 tons. In comparison, orcas, also known as killer whales, are usually around 32 feet long. Despite this size difference, the orcas have developed specialized strategies to take down these massive marine creatures.
The orcas’ hunting behavior involves flipping the whale sharks upside down to immobilize them, making it easier for the orcas to access their pelvic areas and nutrient-rich livers. By attacking the pelvic area, the orcas cause the whale sharks to bleed out, providing them with access to the livers, which are a favorite delicacy among orcas.
In four recorded events, Moctezuma, a large male adult orca, was involved in three of the hunts, while the fourth event was carried out by females who had previously been seen with Moctezuma. This suggests that he may be teaching these hunting tactics to other members of the pod. The researchers are unsure if this behavior is new or if it has been happening for years undetected.
Studies have shown that killer whale groups around the world specialize in hunting specific prey using specialized techniques. The fact that the orcas in the Gulf of California have developed a strategy to hunt and consume whale sharks is not surprising, but it is still a fascinating discovery.
It is unclear how long this behavior has been going on, but the increase in human activity and the availability of waterproof cameras have made it easier to detect and record such rare behaviors. This new hunting behavior sheds light on the adaptability and intelligence of orcas as predators in the marine ecosystem.
Pandora, the trending news editor at Live Science, emphasizes the importance of studying these unique behaviors to better understand the dynamics of marine ecosystems and the interactions between different species. She holds a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Oxford, specializing in biochemistry and molecular biology.