Work

Interaction between killer whales (Orcinus orca) and hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna sp.) in Galápagos waters

Year: 2006

Type: article

Abstract: A possible predatory interaction between killer whales (Orcinus orca) and hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna sp.) was observed during April 1991 near Punta Cormorant, Galápagos Islands. Three killer whales were observed in close proximity to a freshly dead female hammerhead. One of the killer whales (approximately 6m in length) was observed motionless in a vertical position above the shark carcass and later was seen chasing an approximately 40cm hammerhead, supposedly a pup born prematurely from the dead shark. The sharks are thought to have been scalloped hammerheads (S. lewini).

Source: Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals

DOI: 10.5597/lajam00095

Authors: L. Sonnino Sorisio, A. De Maddalena, I. N. Visser

Institutions: Auckland University of Technology, Orca Research Trust

Language: English

Topic: Marine animal studies overview

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W1985334722

FWCI: 0.253

Cites: 16

Cited by: 9

Related to: 10