Fragmentation of sharp-tail sunfish (Masturus lanceolatus) caused by high-impact ramming behavior in orcas (Orcinus orca)

Orcas exhibit highly specialized behavioral and cognitive adaptations that enable them to hunt large marine prey, including the largest teleosts, the sunfishes (family Molidae). While orca-molid interactions have been documented globally, the specific mechanics of these predatory events vary. Here, we describe two predation events in the Gulf of California in which adult orcas accelerated and struck a sharp-tail sunfish ( Masturus lanceolatus ) with sufficient force to cause substantial tissue fragmentation. We propose that this ‘ram-to-fragment’ behavior may have multiple functions, including facilitating foraging for juvenile orcas or reflecting play behavior. The observed coordination between adults suggests a high degree of cooperative precision and could represent roles in prey processing, social interaction and learning.