Orcas in Mexico’s Gulf of California Documented Hunting Whale Sharks for the First Time

Marine biologists have confirmed a remarkable and previously undocumented behavior: a pod of orcas (Orcinus orca) in the Southern Gulf of California has learned to hunt whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), the largest fish in the world, Gizmodo reports.

This finding sheds new light on the orcas’ hunting prowess, highlighting their ability to take down prey significantly larger than themselves.

Orcas are well known as apex predators, hunting a diverse range of marine life, including fish, rays, seals, and even other dolphins. While orcas have been documented preying on various shark species, including the formidable great white shark, attacks on whale sharks have never been confirmed—until now.

Whale sharks, which can reach lengths of up to 45 feet (13.7 meters) and weigh as much as 20 tons, dwarf the average orca, which measures around 20 feet (6 meters) and weighs six tons. Despite the size disparity, orcas in this region have learned to effectively hunt and kill these massive fish.

Marine biologist Erick Higuera Rivas and his team collected photographic and video evidence from both scientists and the public, documenting four distinct hunting events between 2018 and 2024. The attacks revealed a strategic hunting method: the orcas would target the pelvic area of the whale sharks, causing them to bleed out and providing access to the nutrient-rich liver.

“We show how orcas displayed a collaboratively hunting technique on whale sharks, characterized by focusing on attacking the pelvic area,” said Higuera Rivas of Conexiones Terramar, a marine research organization.

A male orca named Moctezuma played a central role in three of the documented attacks. His repeated presence, along with that of a female companion, suggests that the orcas involved belong to a specialized pod with unique hunting expertise.

“When hunting, all pod members work together, hitting the whale shark to turn it upside down… In this position, the sharks enter tonic immobility, rendering them unable to move or escape,” Higuera Rivas explained.

The discovery could have significant implications for both whale shark conservation and the broader marine ecosystem in the Gulf of California. Whale sharks, while widely distributed in tropical waters, face potential threats if orca predation becomes more common. The researchers emphasize the importance of protecting the local marine environment from human disturbances, such as tourism, to safeguard the delicate balance of the ecosystem.