Orcas Use a Deadly Strategy to Hunt the Ocean’s Largest Fish

When donning salmon hats and harassing yachts, orcas may seem playful, but they remain the ocean’s top predators. A sobering example of their prowess comes from the Gulf of California, where a pod of orcas, including a male named Moctezuma, has developed sophisticated hunting techniques to target whale sharks—the ocean’s largest fish.

Orcas Showcase Adaptive Hunting Strategies

These orcas collaborate in their attacks, similar to how a different group in South Africa hunts great white sharks for their nutrient-rich livers. Marine biologist Erick Higuera Rivas of Conexiones Terramar explains, “It’s not surprising they hunt whale sharks, but what’s remarkable is their ability to adapt strategies to different prey. In this case, they work together to immobilize the sharks and extract their livers.”

Orcas around the world differ in behavior and diet. While some specialize in fish or mammals, the Gulf of California orcas are generalists, preying on marine mammals, turtles, and fish. However, Moctezuma’s pod stands out for targeting elasmobranchs—cartilaginous fish like sharks and rays. Since the 1990s, they’ve been observed hunting devil rays, bull sharks, and now whale sharks.

During hunts, the orcas ram the whale shark, stun it, then flip it upside down to access its belly, where the liver is located. Although researchers didn’t directly observe them consuming the liver, the organ’s high fat content likely makes it a prime target.

This behavior showcases orcas’ intelligence and adaptability. They learn from one another, passing hunting techniques through generations. According to Higuera Rivas, “Learning is crucial, with family members, especially mothers, teaching young orcas. This knowledge spreads culturally within pods.”

The research suggests that Moctezuma’s pod may represent a new ecotype specializing in elasmobranch hunting. Future genetic and isotope studies could reveal more about these unique predators and their impact on the Gulf’s ecosystem.

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