A group of orcas has been observed in the Gulf of California employing “unique” tactics to prey on the world’s largest fish, showcasing potentially unprecedented behavior for their species.

These orcas have reportedly been seen engaging in “coordinated” attacks against whale sharks, which can reach lengths of 59 feet, reports suggest. Orcas, also known as killer whales, are social animals and tend to travel in groups, referred to as “pods.” 

Researchers are now considering the possibility that these black and white marine predators, typically known for consuming marine mammals, turtles, and smaller fishmay have acquired “special” hunting knowledge, reports SWNS.

Whale sharks, particularly younger and smaller ones, often feed in the Gulf of California waters off Mexico, where they are more susceptible to predators.

For the first time, instances of killer whales targeting young whale sharks have been documented by experts in Mexico, with four separate events reported recently.

Erick Higuera Rivas, a marine biologist and senior author of a study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science said: “We show how orcas displayed a collaboratively hunting technique on whale sharks, characterised by focusing on attacking the pelvic area causing the whale shark to bleed out and allow orcas access to the lipid-rich liver.”

He further commented on the specific involvement of one individual across three of these four events, proposing that this orca, along with others, might be part of a pod with a unique specialization in hunting sharks.

The documented attacks took place between 2018 and the present year in the southern region of the Gulf of California, captured through footage and images provided by both the general public and scientific community observers.

Individual orcas were identified by examining photographs of dorsal fins and distinctive features such as scars.

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A male orca, affectionately named Moctezuma, was present at three out of the four hunts.

A female orca, previously seen in the company of Moctezuma, also participated in one hunt, suggesting a possible familial connection or membership in the same pod.

Higuera Rivas said: “When hunting, all pod members work together, hitting the whale shark to turn it upside down.”

“In that position the sharks enter a state of tonic immobility and can no longer move voluntarily or escape by going deeper.”

Rivas added: “By keeping it under control, the orcas then have greater ease and speed in approaching the pelvic area of the shark and are able to extract organs of nutritional importance for them.”

The research team suggests that the orcas may be targeting the ventral side of whale sharks because their bodies are thought to be least protected there. For instance, there is less muscle and cartilage in that area, allowing easier access to the aorta.

They propose that hunting in this manner could indicate that some orcas in the Gulf of California have acquired “special skills” that aid them in preying on whale sharks.

The researchers mentioned that other killer whales or orcas may have learned to do the same thing in other regions, but evidence is scarce.

Rivas emphasized that the existence of a whale shark hunting pod in the Gulf of California heightens the need for managing marine adventurers and tourists.

He said: “There must be a specific regulatory norm that guarantees that any type of non-extractive use activity is carried out in a respectful and sustainable manner.”

Rivas suggested that if it’s true Moctezuma and his pod have learned ecological and behavioral hunting tactics specific to Gulf of California whale sharks, they could be at risk should climate change affect their prey’s availability.

He added “It is very impressive how orcas work together strategically and intelligently to access only a very specific area of the prey.”

“It highlights what great predators they are.”