Live Roundups Editor's Desk Insights Executive Ops Weather About 🔍
Home › Science › Orcas seen ramming prey so hard it explodes may be playing game
Science

Orcas seen ramming prey so hard it explodes may be playing game

The Guardian UK Thursday 23 July 2026, 04:00 UTC By Hannah Devlin Science correspondent 1 min read
Key Points

Scientists believe sunfish-smashing behaviour could be form of entertainment or to help younger whales feedOrcas have been observed ramming into giant fish so hard that the prey explode, possibly as a form of gory entertainment. On several occasions, orcas were observed to hold sunfish in their jaws while a second whale smashed into the target at high speed, causing it to break into thousands of pieces. Since the fish had already been killed, scientists suggested the behaviour may represent...

Scientists believe sunfish-smashing behaviour could be form of entertainment or to help younger whales feed

Orcas have been observed ramming into giant fish so hard that the prey explode, possibly as a form of gory entertainment.

On several occasions, orcas were observed to hold sunfish in their jaws while a second whale smashed into the target at high speed, causing it to break into thousands of pieces. Since the fish had already been killed, scientists suggested the behaviour may represent a form of play.

Continue reading...
Orcas (LOCATION)
Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

Related Stories

River levels approach all-time low as drought announcement looms

An announcement is expected from NRW as some river levels are reported to be nearing all-time lows.

BBC Science 7m ago

River levels approach all-time low as drought announcement looms

An announcement is expected from NRW as some river levels are reported to be nearing all-time lows.

BBC Science 7m ago

Butterfly city blooms in shadow of office blocks

A patch of land in Hull city centre has been allowed to grow wild to create a haven for insects.

BBC Science 16m ago

What is climate gentrification? Why house prices are rising outside of Europe's city centres

Extreme heat is not only making cities less liveable; it’s also reshaping who can afford to live where. Sourdough bakeries, third-wave coffee shops and bijou wine bars: the telltale signs of gentrification have been creeping into Europe’s city suburbs for decades. But now there’s a new marker separating the rich from the poor – and it goes much deeper than the quality of the local pastries.

Euronews 17m ago