The orcas hunting whale sharks in the Gulf of California

Orcas in the Gulf of California have been observed using unique techniques to hunt whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. A specific male orca named Moctezuma was a key participant in these hunts, targeting the pelvic area of the sharks to ensure they bleed out quickly. Between 2018 and 2024, researchers documented four separate events where orcas collaborated to kill juvenile whale sharks. This behavior suggests a specialized hunting method, possibly indicating that these orcas may represent a new ecotype specializing in elasmobranchs like whale sharks. Understanding these interactions helps scuba divers appreciate the dynamic marine ecosystems they explore.