Orcas exhibit unexpected behaviors. Recently, two cases revealed orcas ramming sunfish so hard that the fish disintegrate. This startling act was documented in a new study.
Off Cabo San Lucas, Kathryn Ayres from Beneath The Waves, observed one orca holding a sunfish while another charged at it, scattering bits of sunfish. This ‘stabilize-and-ram’ behavior was detailed in a paper released on Thursday.
Marine biologist Erick Higuera emphasized that while the sight of disintegrated fish is surprising, it’s not strange or cruel. It represents specialized biology. Ayres suggests this might make it easier for younger orcas to feed. She noted, “Orcas are known to play with their food.”
Orcas off Washington have been seen with salmon as hats, and some adolescent orcas engage in sinking ships. Marine ecologist Robert Pitman likens them to cats, tormenting both prey and non-prey.
Pitman believes the behavior is primarily about feeding. Older orcas, with worn teeth, and young orcas, without teeth, find sunfish hard to eat. Sunfish have dense, rubbery skin and can weigh thousands of pounds. Pitman thinks the ramming is an efficient method to process such tough prey.
Higuera concurs. Orcas lack hands or tools to dismantle prey, so ramming is practical for breaking sunfish into manageable pieces.
The question remains if this is purely “fun.” For it to be play, Higuera explains, it should be voluntary and rewarding. Two recorded cases, one by Ayres in July 2024 and another by a tourism operator, suggest aspects of a social game. It might also involve adults preparing food for teething juveniles. Higuera believes it’s likely a mix of feeding and social enjoyment but wants more evidence.
Higuera notes that more documentation would help determine if adults engage in such behavior without toothless juveniles present, reinforcing the idea of play.
Both documented events occurred in Baja California. Pitman is curious if this method is unique to local orcas or more widespread. Higuera suggests it might be cultural knowledge among specific pods.
Pitman commends the study for revealing this behavior. He recalls observing orcas carrying sunfish like pizza boxes and didn’t understand the purpose until now. Cautioning snorkeling enthusiasts, he humorously warns against becoming an unintended ‘pizza box.’
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