A pod of orcas off Mexico’s coast has demonstrated remarkable hunting skills by targeting whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, researchers report. Between 2018 and 2024, videos and photographs captured in the Gulf of California revealed orcas working collaboratively to incapacitate these marine giants, focusing on their nutrient-rich organs.

The recently published study in Frontiers in Marine Science highlights how the orcas flip whale sharks upside down, inducing tonic immobility, a state where the sharks lose voluntary movement. This maneuver allows orcas to access vital organs, particularly the lipid-rich liver, for nutrition.

A New Threat to Endangered Whale Sharks

Whale sharks, typically docile and plankton-eating, grow up to 60 feet long. Despite their size, they are vulnerable to these coordinated attacks by orcas, especially younger sharks that gather in the Gulf of California. Whale shark populations are already declining globally, and such predation poses an additional challenge to their survival.

Coordinated Hunting: A Display of Intelligence

The study recorded four hunting events involving the same pod, with a male orca named “Moctezuma” participating in three. Videos show orcas targeting the sharks’ ventral side, believed to be their least protected area, underscoring the predators’ strategic approach.

Marine biologist Erick Higuera Rivas, a lead author of the study, remarked on the orcas’ intelligence and teamwork: “It’s impressive how they access specific areas of their prey strategically, showcasing their predatory excellence.”

 Broader Implications of Orca Behavior

Orcas, often referred to as killer whales, belong to the dolphin family and are renowned for their group hunting techniques. While their diet ranges from fish to seals and sea lions, targeting large marine species like whale sharks demonstrates their adaptability and skill as apex predators.

This research offers new insights into the complex behaviors of orcas and raises awareness about the challenges faced by endangered species like whale sharks in shared habitats.