Scientists were astonished by a scene lasting less than two minutes of a brutal attack executed by a killer whale as it attacked a large great white shark, swallowing what it could before fleeing quickly. Experts revealed that the event, which occurred off the coast of Mossel Bay in South Africa, offers new insights into the predatory behavior of orcas, a type of dolphin. While orcas have previously been documented hunting sharks and even whales on their own, this recently reported event is believed to be the first known instance of solitary orcas hunting the largest predatory fish in the world.
The unique event was documented on June 18, 2023, in the African Journal of Marine Science, according to the British newspaper "The Guardian." The team explained how the attack happened, describing how the scent of the shark's liver and the sight of seagulls indicated a recent kill. The report stated that the whale grabbed the left fin of the shark and pushed it forward several times before finally extracting its organs. Minutes later, it was seen with a bloody piece of the shark's liver in its mouth.
The team also noted that the whale was capable of killing the estimated 2.5-meter long, 100-kilogram great white shark alone, although it may need to collaborate with others to handle larger prey.
What is an Orca?
The killer whale, or orca, belongs to the family of oceanic dolphins, of which it is the largest member. Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individuals often specialize in certain types of prey. Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and other types of dolphins.
