Family Orcas in the blue of Mayotte Lagoon
I was out at sea, off the lagoon of Mayotte, when we encountered a group of eight orcas hunting. Their prey: rays and tiger sharks. We watched in awe from the surface, observing their interactions, their precision, their intelligence. Then, my friend Nils invited me to get in the water.
I’m used to diving with sharks, but getting in the water with orcas for the first time was a different story. As soon as I submerged, I saw these incredible mammals with a tiger shark in their jaws. Normally, a tiger shark seems massive to me, but in their grip, it looked like a mere puppet, a toy. After the initial shock, realizing that they had no interest in me, I was finally able to take a few photos and record some footage just beneath the surface. When you climb back onto the boat after such an experience, two things become crystal clear:
So, let’s talk about orcas. 
Power. Grace. Presence.Explore a fine art series dedicated to the ocean’s most iconic predators. Each orca image is printed on gallery-grade paper, signed and shipped with care. View “We Are Orcas” →
Powerful and Intelligent Predators
Orcas (Orcinus orca), often called the "wolves of the sea," are among the most intelligent and efficient predators in the ocean. Their adaptability and strategic hunting techniques make them apex predators, capable of capturing a wide variety of prey, from fish and seals to even sharks. Sophisticated Hunting Techniques Each population of orcas develops its own hunting strategies, passed down through generations. Antarctic orcas create waves to knock seals off ice floes, while those in Mayotte hunt tiger sharks and rays. They are even known to flip sharks onto their backs, inducing a state of paralysis called "tonic immobility"—a highly effective technique.
Unmatched Intelligence and Unique Culture
Orcas have one of the most developed brains in the animal kingdom. They use distinct vocal dialects within each pod, follow a strong matriarchal structure, and display behaviors that resemble cultural traditions. Their ability to learn and imitate is extraordinary, strengthening bonds between pod members and shaping their way of life. Hunting Strategies Orcas are apex predators with spectacular hunting techniques adapted to their prey and environment. In the Indian Ocean, they primarily feed on tuna, sharks, dolphins, and occasionally even whales. One of the most impressive behaviors observed is their ability to hunt sharks, including tiger sharks and even great whites. Orcas are known for their technique of flipping sharks onto their backs, inducing a state of catatonia that leaves them completely vulnerable. Other observations show that they hunt in coordination, using waves to knock seals off ice floes or trapping schools of fish by tightening their movements. Some populations specializing in hunting marine mammals have even been seen separating young humpback whales from their mothers, employing harassment tactics over several hours. 
Communication and Social Intelligence
Orcas are among the most intelligent marine animals. They use a complex language consisting of whistles, clicks, and sounds specific to each group. In the Indian Ocean, vocal differences have been recorded between populations, suggesting the existence of distinct dialects depending on the region. Their social structure is based on family groups called pods, led by an experienced matriarch who passes down knowledge to younger generations. This knowledge includes hunting techniques, migration routes, and essential social behaviors for survival. 
Threats
Despite their status as apex predators, Indian Ocean orcas are not immune to human threats. Overfishing reduces their access to prey, while plastic pollution and chemical contaminants accumulate in their bodies through the food chain. Collisions with ships and noise pollution from maritime traffic also affect their communication and way of life. Protecting these magnificent creatures requires better fishing regulations, habitat preservation, and increased efforts to reduce marine pollution. The Harsh Reality of Captive Orcas While orcas are mesmerizing in the wild, their fate in captivity is heartbreaking. These creatures, accustomed to traveling vast distances each day, find themselves confined to small tanks, deprived of their natural behaviors and complex social structures. The stress and boredom often lead to abnormal or even aggressive behaviors. Institutions like SeaWorld have long exploited these cetaceans for entertainment, but public awareness—especially after documentaries like Blackfish—has sparked a movement against keeping orcas in captivity. Into The Wild – Orcas Hunting Tiger Shark captures an intense moment rarely filmed: orcas collaborating to subdue a tiger shark. Watch the full sequence above. Orcas: A Symbol of Ocean Freedom Encountering orcas in the wild is an experience that stays with you forever. These creatures embody the raw power and mystery of the ocean. But they also serve as a reminder of how fragile marine ecosystems are—and how it is our responsibility to protect them. What are orcas?Orcas, also called killer whales, are powerful apex predators. They live in every ocean, hunt in pods, and feed on fish, rays, sharks, seals, and even whales. Why are orcas considered apex predators?Orcas are at the very top of the marine food chain. They have no natural predators and use complex strategies to hunt everything from small fish to sharks and dolphins. Are orcas endangered?Globally, orcas are listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List, but many local populations are threatened. Pollution, noise, loss of prey and captivity have reduced their numbers in places like the Pacific Northwest. Where can orcas be seen in Mayotte?Though extremely rare, orcas have been observed in Mayotte’s lagoon. Documented encounters include orcas hunting mobula rays and even challenging tiger sharks.
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Serge Melesan
Underwater & Fine Art Ocean Photographer Specialist in Fine Art Ocean Photography. Published in Oceanographic Magazine & Earth.org. National Geographic Traveller – Portfolio Winner (2023). Archives
Janvier 2026
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