Orca, or Killer Whales
Orcas are toothed whales

Orcas are also known as killer whales. They belong to the same toothed whale family as dolphins. They are found in all the world's oceans.

They are large animals, males growing to about up to 8 m long and about 5000 kg, and females growing to about 6 m long and about 4000 kg.

They are very fast and powerful. Orcas are the largest of any predators of mammals, feeding on marine mammals such as walruses, seals and even the calves of other whales. They also feed on fish, squid and marine birds. Orcas hunt in packs. They have been seen attacking seals in shallow water, sometimes even landing themselves on the beach to get them.

Orcas have sleek streamlined bodies, tapered at both ends. They are easily identified with black and white skin. They have a black dorsal fin and pectoral flippers. The dorsal fin helps keep them stable as they swim at high speed. Each Orca's dorsal fin looks slightly different, and many are slightly bent for reasons that are unknown. Orca's bodies are dark on top and white underneath. This coloration helps them hunt because they are camouflaged when viewed from above or below.

In captivity they have proved to be highly intelligent and gentle to humans.

More information about Orca
http://www.npca.org/marine_and_coastal/marine_wildlife/orca.html


Back to Toothed whales
Baleen whales .. Blue whale .. Humpback whale.. Beluga whale .. Orca ..
Whale Strandings...Threats to Marine Mammals...Dolphins and Porpoises



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Whales (2002). [Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au

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Updated October 2007