Watch These Orcas Smash a Giant Dead Fish to Pieces-Just for Kicks
Marine scientists have observed orcas in the Gulf of California engaging in a 'ram-to-fragment' behavior, where they smash dead sunfish into pieces. The study suggests this may be a way for adults to help juveniles feed or simply a form of social play.
Why it matters
Understanding unique cetacean behaviors helps scientists better comprehend the cognitive capabilities and social learning processes of marine mammals.
Despite living their entire lives in the water, killer whales share a lot in common with humans. Research out today shows that some can pull off the sort of antics you’d expect to see on an episode of Jackass .
For the first time ever, marine scientists have documented orcas ( Orcinus orca ) ramming into an already dead fish and blowing it into pieces. The mysterious behavior may be a sign of parental assistance among these killer whales as well as an example of these creatures having a good time.
“We propose that this ‘ram-to-fragment’ behavior may have multiple functions, including facilitating foraging for juvenile orcas or reflecting play behavior,” the researchers wrote in their paper, published Thursday in the journal Frontiers in Ethology.
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