科学家观察到虎鲸在加州湾（墨西哥沿岸）以极高速度撞击翻车鱼，造成猎物身体碎裂成数千块的现象。[1]该行为已被记录两次，首次事件发生于2024年7月，第二次则在2025年9月被旅游运营商捕捉。[1]
被撞击的翻车鱼体型巨大，体长超过3米，重量可达2000公斤。[1]研究人员对这一现象的含义提出了两种解释。科学家卡瑟琳·艾尔斯表示："我们认为这可能帮助年轻虎鲸更容易进食，或者也可能只是为了好玩。虎鲸以玩耍它们的食物而闻名。"[1]
这项研究已发表在期刊《Frontiers in Ethology》上。[1]该发现进一步展示了虎鲸高度的认知能力和复杂的社交行为。此前，墨西哥去年针对与虎鲸一起游泳发布了新规定。[1]
Scientists have documented orcas striking ocean sunfish with such force that the prey shatters into thousands of pieces [1]. Researchers believe this behavior may serve dual purposes: helping younger orcas feed more easily, or simply providing entertainment [1].
"We think this might help young orcas eat more easily, or it could just be for fun," said scientist Catherine Iles, noting that orcas are known for playing with their food [1].
Two such incidents have been recorded in California Bay off the Mexican coast [1]. The first ramming was documented in July 2024, with a second event captured by a tour operator in September 2025 [1]. The sunfish targeted in these attacks exceeded three meters in length and weighed up to 2,000 kilograms [1].
The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Ethology, highlight the cognitive sophistication and complex social behavior of orcas [1]. Mexico issued new regulations last year governing swimming with orcas [1].