The killer whale (Orcinus orca), commonly referred to as the orca, and less commonly as the blackfish, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. Killer whales are found in all oceans, from the frigid Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas. Killer whales as a species have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as sea lions, seals, walruses and even large whales. Killer whales are regarded as apex predators, lacking natural predators and preying on even large sharks.Killer whales are highly social; some populations are composed of matrilineal family groups which are the most stable of any animal species.Their sophisticated hunting techniques and vocal behaviors, which are often specific to a particular group and passed across generations, have been described as manifestations of culture.
Ten Facts about Killer Whale
- They are the largest predators of warm-blooded animals. Sea lions, seals, squids, fishes, penguins, otters, sea turtles, birds, walruses, reptiles, polar bears, cetaceans and moose form the diet of a killer whale.
- Adults consume 3-4% of the body weight per day.
- Females attain sexual maturity when they reach the age of 6-10 years. They are usually 4.6 to 4.9 meters at this time.
- When males attain the age of 10-13 years , they are said to be sexually mature. In this age group, their length is 5.5 to 6.1 meters.
- Gestation varies from 15 to 18 months. Mothers calve, with usually a single offspring, about once every 5 years.
- In resident pods, birth occurs at any time of year, although winter is the most popular.
- Females breed until age 40, meaning that on average they raise five offspring.
- The lifespan of wild females averages 50 years, with a maximum of 80-90 years.
- Worldwide population estimates are uncertain, but recent consensus suggest an absolute minimum of 50,000.
- Day-to-day killer whale behavior generally consists of foraging, traveling, resting and socializing.
