The black devil fish is described as "a true predator of the depths" that uses "symbiotic bioluminescent bacteria as bait to lure its prey, in the same way as in the popular movie Finding Nemo."
The discovery challenges traditional photosynthesis concepts, revealing new possibilities for life in harsh environments, Science noted.
Researchers prefer to speak of encounters and interactions rather than attacks and assume that the orcas do not act with aggressive intent.
Due to food scarcity, up to 69% of Southern Resident killer whale pregnancies do not result in viable calves.
Preliminary investigations have ruled out natural causes of death for the seals.
The male whale may be increasing its reproductive chances by mingling with other populations.
The discovery marks the first known active large predator of its kind in one of the deepest oceanic zones.
Researchers conducted over 300 computer simulations to project when this first ice-free day might occur.
Photograph of orca J27 Blackberry with salmon on head marks first sighting of behavior in nearly 40 years.
Researchers document coordinated attacks targeting sharks' pelvic area to access nutrient-rich organs.