Overview
- Researchers published a peer‑reviewed description after analyzing two independent videos of the behavior recorded in the Gulf of California in July 2024 and September 2025 that show the same hold‑to‑ram sequence.
- In both events one orca held a deceased sharp‑tail sunfish by its tail while another charged and struck it, producing a visible explosion of tissue and thousands of fragments that juveniles were seen eating.
- The authors conclude the high‑energy ramming is a food‑processing technique rather than the killing blow and suggest it may make the fish’s dense, collagenous layers easier for young whales to consume.
- Scientists also propose alternate or complementary explanations such as play, practice or cultural transmission and note that fragmenting the sunfish could disperse its unique microbiome into the water with unknown nutritional or ecological effects.
- The finding expands known, population‑specific orca hunting repertoires, relies on footage contributed by researchers and citizen observers, and the team urges careful ID photos and more recordings while warning that increased boat tourism could disturb the animals.