Dolphin vs. Great White Shark: A Fascinating Predatory Encounter

Watan-A video clip circulated by nature and marine animal enthusiasts captured a stunning scene of a massive dolphin attacking a large white shark and swallowing parts of it before swiftly fleeing in less than two minutes off the coast of South Africa, a phenomenon that astonished scientists and video followers alike.

Since 2015, a pair of killer whales known as “Port and Starboard” have been attacking white sharks near the Western Cape. This became so severe that white sharks fled the area in search of safety, nearly disappearing from the region.

According to the British newspaper “The Guardian,” citing scientists, the event that occurred off the coast of Mossel Bay in South Africa provides new insights into the predatory behavior of orcas – a type of dolphin.

Dolphin preying on the Great White Shark

While orcas have been previously documented hunting sharks, dolphins, and even whales solo, the recent event reported marks the first known instance of a solitary orca hunting the largest predatory fish in the world.

Dr. Alison Towner of Rhodes University, who led the research into this discovery, stated, “Killer whales usually cooperate when hunting, although they can hunt solo.” She continued, “The unusual aspect was seeing the killer whale Starboard hunting a white shark solo and notably quickly.”

The video, captured on June 18, 2023, was published in the African Journal of Marine Science.

Though the behavior of orcas in hunting sharks and marine mammals has been documented previously, the recent event marks the first of its kind showing orcas executing a solo hunt of the largest predatory fish in the world.

The report states that the whale “grabbed the left pectoral fin of the shark and pushed it forward several times before finally disemboweling it.”

Dolphin preying on the Great White Shark

Minutes later, the dolphin was seen with a “bloody piece of liver in its mouth.” The attack was also documented by researchers and tourists aboard another vessel engaged in shark cage diving activities.

Researchers noted that all other recorded events in the area involving killer whales hunting sharks included between two to six orcas and typically lasted around two hours.

Method of predation

However, while Starboard – the type of dolphin – was able to kill the relatively small large white shark, estimated to be about 2.5 meters long and weighing around 100 kilograms, solo, the team suggests that dealing with larger prey may require cooperation with others.

Previous research conducted by the team revealed how Port and Starboard – named for their dorsal fins curved in opposing directions – had been hunting together off the coasts of South Africa in recent years.

Their activities have raised concerns about the possible displacement of various shark species, including large white sharks, from coastal areas.

Dr. Primo Micarelli, co-author of the new study from the Shark Studies Center and the University of Siena, who witnessed Starboard’s attack, said seeing the killer whale carrying the liver of a large white shark across the ship he was on was unforgettable.

However, he added, “Despite my fear of these predatory animals, I am increasingly concerned about the balance of the coastal marine environment.”