Orcas seen ramming prey so hard it explodes may be playing game
Marine biologists have observed orcas ramming sunfish with enough force to cause the prey to explode. Researchers suggest this behavior may be a form of play or a method to help younger orcas feed more efficiently.
Why it matters
Understanding complex animal behavior provides insight into the cognitive capabilities and social structures of apex marine predators.
Orcas have been known to exhibit play behaviour such as throwing kelp at each other and engaging in tactical games. Orcas have been known to exhibit play behaviour such as throwing kelp at each other and engaging in tactical games. Marine life Orcas seen ramming prey so hard it explodes may be playing game Scientists believe sunfish-smashing behaviour could be form of entertainment or to help younger whales feed
Prefer the Guardian on Google Orcas have been observed ramming into giant fish so hard that the prey explode, possibly as a form of gory entertainment.
On several occasions, orcas were observed to hold sunfish in their jaws while a second whale smashed into the target at high speed, causing it to break into thousands of pieces. Since the fish had already been killed, scientists suggested the behaviour may represent a form of play.
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