Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleOrcas have been filmed pulverising sunfish, one of the world's heaviest fish, in a behaviour scientists are studying. Underwater footage from 2024 off the coast of Mexico showed an orca holding a sunfish carcass before another rammed it, causing it to break into hundreds of pieces. This never-before-seen behaviour was observed again a year later off the Gulf of California. The behaviour, reported in the Frontiers in Ethology journal, could be a feeding strategy to break down large meals for orca calves. Scientists also suggest it might simply be a form of play, as orcas are known for playing with their food. In fullOrcas filmed pulverizing sunfish in what could be either feeding strategy or fun, scientists sayMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The ramming behavior might help younger orcas more easily digest their food, while also allowing other orcas to have a little fun, researchers say.

Scientists believe sunfish-smashing behaviour could be form of entertainment or to help younger whales feed

“We think this may help younger orcas feed more easily, or it could also just be for fun.”...

The behavior could be a strategy to help younger orcas feed, or it may just be for their own amusement, researchers say