# Why do orcas eat only the tongue of whales, liver of sharks, etc.? Tags: zoology, behaviour - Score: 5 - Views: 35898 - Answers: 2 - Answered: yes - Asked by: J.L. (59 rep) - Asked: 2015-08-18 - Site: biology ## Question I noticed that although killer whales are clearly the top predator living in the present oceans, some of them appear to be very picky with their meals. After spending hours hunting down a whale, pretty much the only thing they eat is the tongue. I'm not sure how that satisfies their hunger, especially considering how long and arduous the hunt took. Then there are orcas hunting sharks and eating virtually only the liver. For such a dangerous prey, is such a delicacy worthwhile? I mean, what happens if they're starving after the hunt? Any relevant comment will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! ## Answers ### Answer by Scott McMan (score: 1) Killer whales have a wide range of prey. They hunt in coordinated packs called pods. They are very organized on a hunt and each has a specific job before the kill. Where the confusion might be coming from is that different pods have different habits. It is true that orcas have been witnessed eating only the tongue, but t