Killer Whale

The Killer Whale or Orca (Orcinus orca) is the largest member of the dolphin family. It has sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviors. They are featured in many indigenous mythologies.

Stats

  • Population: 50,000
  • Life Span: 30-100 Years
  • Top Speed: 28 MPH
  • Weight: 6,613.9-13,227.7 Pounds
  • Length: 19.7-29.5 Feet

Geographical Distribution

Continents:

  • Africa
  • Oceania
  • Antartica
  • North America
  • South America
  • Asia
  • Europe

Biomes:

  • Oceanic pelagic zone
  • Marine
  • Neritic zone
  • Estuaries
By M.Bitton - Own work based on: data from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133738600

Diet (Carnivorous)

  • Seals
  • Smaller whales
  • Dolphins
  • Sea lions
  • Fish
  • Sharks
  • Squid
  • Octopi
  • Sea birds
  • Sea turtles
  • Sea otters
  • River otters

Fun Facts

Fact #1

Orcas are actually dolphins rather than whales.

Fact #3

They can live up to 80-90 years in some areas.

Fact #4

They have the second largest brain of any marine mammal.

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