Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

Study Finds Orcas Target Juvenile Great White Sharks in Mexican Waters

Study Finds Orcas Target Juvenile Great White Sharks in Mexican Waters

Post by : Rameen Ariff

A team of marine researchers has recorded an uncommon episode of orca predation on juvenile great white sharks in Mexican waters, providing new evidence of these apex predators' sophisticated hunting behaviour. The results, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, are the first confirmed observations of this conduct in Mexico.

Video gathered between 2020 and 2022 from drones and submerged cameras captures pods of orcas working together to roll young great whites onto their backs. The action triggers a temporary paralysis known as tonic immobility, allowing the whales to remove and share the sharks’ lipid-rich livers while often abandoning the remainder of the carcass.

While comparable attacks have been documented off South Africa, Australia and California, this marks the initial verified case in Mexican seas. Researchers note juveniles appear especially vulnerable, suggesting orcas may exploit seasonal opportunities that could influence local shark population dynamics.

Marine biologists say the finding expands understanding of orca behaviour and highlights complex predator–prey relationships in ocean ecosystems. Even dominant predators like great white sharks can be outmaneuvered by the social intelligence and coordinated techniques of orca pods.

The study adds to mounting evidence of orcas’ adaptable, strategic hunting methods across different environments, underscoring their role as versatile and effective marine hunters.

Nov. 5, 2025 5:06 p.m. 671

#Global

Manipur Violence Sparks Nationwide Concern
April 17, 2026 5:52 p.m.
Rising violence in Manipur raises questions on response as civilians, including children, are reported among casualties
Read More
Sanad Group Achieves Record-Breaking AED 7B Revenue in 2025
April 17, 2026 5:55 p.m.
Sanad Group reports a 41% revenue increase, reaching AED 7B in 2025, fueled by robust MRO demand, global expansion, and strategic contracts.
Read More
Jeremy Hansen Reflects on Unity and Experiences from Artemis II
April 17, 2026 5:53 p.m.
Astronaut Jeremy Hansen discusses teamwork and key moments from the historic Artemis II mission around the Moon.
Read More
Boat Tragedy Leaves 250 Dead or Missing
April 17, 2026 5:28 p.m.
Overcrowded boat carrying Rohingya refugees capsizes in Andaman Sea, raising fears of one of the deadliest migrant disasters
Read More
Keir Starmer's Outrage Over Mandelson Vetting Controversy in the UK
April 17, 2026 5:47 p.m.
Keir Starmer denounces the appointment of Peter Mandelson over vetting failures, intensifying scrutiny on government transparency and security processes.
Read More
Secretary of the Army Commends General Dismissed by Hegseth
April 17, 2026 5:46 p.m.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll lauds General Randy George's service while affirming the right of civilian officials in military leadership choices.
Read More
Trump Appoints Erica Schwartz as New CDC Director
April 17, 2026 5:38 p.m.
Donald Trump nominates Dr. Erica Schwartz to stabilize the CDC following recent controversies and leadership changes.
Read More
JD Vance's Clash with Pope Leo XIV on War Justification
April 17, 2026 5:28 p.m.
A heated exchange unfolds as JD Vance challenges Pope Leo XIV over just war theory in the context of the Iran conflict.
Read More
Artemis II Crew Forms Unbreakable Bonds Post-Mission
April 17, 2026 5:22 p.m.
Jeremy Hansen highlights the deep friendships forged during the Artemis II mission as they made history around the Moon.
Read More