Orcas shatter sunfish with violent collisions in unique hunting display

Orcas in Mexico's Gulf of California have been observed employing a striking hunting strategy, violently colliding with ocean sunfish to break them into pieces. This behavior, documented by marine biologists Erik Guerra and Katy Ayers, involves orcas ramming the large fish at high speeds. The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Ethology.

“

The behavior is a hunting technique, but play is included in the process.

This unusual method has been recorded twice. The first instance occurred in July 2024 near the coast of Baja California, where a female orca held a dead sunfish while a male orca flipped onto its back and charged it at full speed. The impact shattered the fish, and younger orcas were later seen feeding on the fragments. A similar event was observed in September 2025 in the Sea of Cortez, involving three adult females and a calf, where one orca secured the sunfish while another rammed it, leading to the fish breaking apart for the pod to consume.

“

Ocean sunfish are covered in a very dense and rubbery collagen layer, making them very difficult to bite. Bursting them open may be an effective method for orcas.

Scientists believe this "collision-fragmentation" technique serves a dual purpose: it's an effective hunting method for subduing prey that is difficult to bite due to its tough, rubbery skin, and it may also be a form of play and social learning for younger orcas. Researchers have previously observed orcas attacking sunfish, tearing off flesh, and tossing them around. The current observations suggest this specific ramming behavior might be specialized for sunfish, which can weigh up to 2 tons. The fragmentation allows for easier consumption, especially for calves, providing them with bite-sized pieces and a learning opportunity in hunting. This practice could also strengthen social bonds within the pod.

“

This is an effective method for orcas. For young orcas, this is both a hunting lesson and an opportunity to eat bite-sized pieces. Furthermore, this social learning and play may also serve to strengthen the bonds of this species.