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Killer whale (Orcinus orca)

Photo of Killer whale (Orcinus orca)

Key facts

Scientific name
Orcinus orca
Common name
Killer whale
Category
Marine mammals
Family
Delphinidae
Genus
Orcinus
Size
600–980 cm
Depth
0–1000 m
IUCN status
Data deficient (DD)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
open-water
Behaviours
pelagic, schooling
Ocean zones
East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean

Description

Orcinus orca reaches 9.8 m and 10 tons for males. Large dolphin (Delphinidae) cosmopolitan from poles to tropics with fusiform body black on back and white on belly and flanks with distinctive white post-ocular spots, large triangular dorsal fin reaching 1.8 m in males, lighter saddle behind dorsal. Lives from 0 to 1000 m in open water and coasts, in highly structured matriarchal family groups (pods) with own culture and dialects. Apex predator, varied diet according to ecotypes (fish, pinnipeds, other cetaceans, sharks, rays). Mythical dive and snorkel encounters (Norway for herring, Iceland, New Zealand).

Photo of Killer whale

Photo of Killer whale (Orcinus orca)Photo of Killer whale (Orcinus orca)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Killer whale?
Killer whale (Orcinus orca) reaches 600–980 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Killer whale?
Killer whale is found between 0–1000 m deep.
Is the Killer whale dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Killer whale?
IUCN status: Data deficient (DD).
Where can you find the Killer whale?
Found in: East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Delphinidae

  • Tursiops truncatus - Common bottlenose dolphin
  • Stenella frontalis - Atlantic spotted dolphin
  • Delphinus delphis - Common dolphin
  • Globicephala macrorhynchus - Short-finned pilot whale
  • Globicephala melas - Long-finned pilot whale
  • Tursiops aduncus - Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137102)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2440483)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia