Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Orcas use explosive technique to fragment sunfish
Scientists observed orcas in the Gulf of California using a unique technique to break apart a sunfish.
The orcas would hold the sunfish while another orca rammed into it at full speed, causing the fish to explode into smaller pieces.
This behavior, called 'ram-to-fragment,' was seen twice, in 2024 and 2025.
The sunfish was already dead and weighed 2,000 kilograms, making it difficult for the orcas to feed on directly.
The technique might help younger orcas eat the sunfish more easily.
However, it's also possible that the orcas are doing this for fun.
Scientists were shocked by the power of the impact, which was unlike anything they had seen before.
Orcas in the Gulf of California use a technique called 'ram-to-fragment' to break apart a sunfish.
The sunfish was already dead and weighed 2,000 kilograms, making it difficult to feed on directly.
The technique involves one orca holding the sunfish while another rams into it at full speed, causing the fish to explode.
This behavior was observed twice, in July 2024 and 2025, and was published in the journal Frontiers in Ethology.
The purpose of the technique might be to process the sunfish into smaller pieces for easier consumption, especially for younger calves, or it could be for recreational purposes.
- Who
- Orcas and scientists including Kathryn Ayres
- What
- Orcas using a technique called 'ram-to-fragment' to break apart a sunfish
- When
- Observed in July 2024 and 2025
- Where
- Gulf of California
- Why
- To process the sunfish into smaller pieces for easier consumption, possibly for feeding younger calves or for recreational purposes
Feeding Technique
Recreational Behavior
Purpose of the Behavior
Feeding Technique
The orcas use the 'ram-to-fragment' technique to process the sunfish into smaller, more manageable pieces for easier consumption, especially for younger calves.
Recreational Behavior
The orcas might be engaging in this behavior purely for fun or recreational purposes, as the sunfish was already dead and the technique is not necessary for hunting.
- Location
- Gulf of California
- Year of Observation
- 2024 and 2025
- Journal
- Frontiers in Ethology
- Scientist
- Kathryn Ayres
- Organization
- Beneath the Waves
- Sunfish Weight
- 2,000 kilograms