CAResearchers have documented a previously unknown hunting technique used by orcas in the Gulf of California, where they ram into sunfish head-first with enough force to cause them to explode. This behavior was observed in two separate incidents occurring over a year apart, between July 2024 and September 2025. According to Dr. Kathryn Ayres, a scientist at Beneath The Waves, the orcas appear to coordinate their attacks, with one holding the sunfish steady while another strikes it at high speed, leading to the disintegration of the fish's tissues. The study suggests this might be a method of processing prey rather than directly killing it, allowing younger orcas to feed more easily. Sunfish, which can grow up to 14 feet long and weigh several thousand pounds, are frequently targeted by orcas due to their vulnerability in surface waters.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a scientific observation of orca behavior and does not involve any political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It focuses purely on marine biology research and does not present any biased framing or ideological perspective.
