This is how the world's largest fish die. A new killing strategy

killer whales (Orcinus orca) belong to the dolphin family (Delphinidae). They occur in both hot, tropical waters and the icy waters surrounding Antarctica. There are various ecotypes of killer whales, which are distinct from each other in genetic, morphological and ecological terms. These animals feed on various sea creatures – fish, turtles, seals, penguins, and whales. Scientists have observed that orcas feeding in the Gulf of California have developed a new hunting strategy. These animals attack whale sharks (Rhincodon Typus), the world's largest fish.

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, they can be up to 18 meters long. When they are young, they feed in the waters of the Gulf of California. During this stage of their lives, they are most vulnerable to attacks by predators. And orcas began to hunt such juvenile individuals.

“We have observed a new killing strategy in killer whales,” said Jesus Rivas, a marine biologist and one of the authors of a paper published on Friday, November 29, in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. – During the attack, all members of the pod work together to hit the whale shark so that it turns upside down. In this position, the shark enters a state of tonic immobility and cannot move. The orcas then strike the shark's pelvic area with their snouts, causing it to bleed out, he added. The researchers also noted that one male, whom they named Moctezuma, was involved in three of the four such attacks. Orcas attack the ventral side of whale sharks because it is the least protected. There is less muscle and cartilage in this area, allowing easier access to the aorta.

Attacks on whale sharks occurred between 2018 and 2024 in the southern Gulf of California. They were captured in photos and recordings.

– Orcas have developed a strategy that relies on mutual cooperation. They are very intelligent animals. This shows how great predators they are, concluded Rivas.