killer whale

Animals

2022

We explain what an orca is, what its habitat is, its diet, reproduction and other characteristics. Also, how dangerous are they.

The killer whale is recognizable by its black back and white belly.

What is a killer whale?

It is known as orca or whale orca to a mammal marine of the order of cetaceans and of the same family as the dolphins (Delphinidae), common to all oceans of the world. Its body is recognizable for its black (on the back) and white (on the belly) coloration, as well as for being one of the largest and most versatile predators seamen of the world.

Scientific name Orcinus orca, this is the largest known dolphin species. The species evolved in the Pliocene, around 5.3 million years ago, moving away from the ancestors of today's dolphins.

It has a reputation for being a fearsome predator, capable of killing other greats carnivores As the White shark, and at the same time of being a meek and intelligent animal capable of relating, in captivity, in an affectionate way with the human being.

Killer whale hunting was common in 18th century Japan, while the large whaling industries ignored it, given the low amount of oil that can be extracted from their bodies, compared to whales and sperm whales.

Since the late twentieth century, on the other hand, the sighting of killer whales has become an important tourist attraction, as well as its breeding in captivity and its incorporation into aquatic shows, since it is a fairly intelligent animal. Captivity produces atrophy of the dorsal fin in this species, due to the lack of exercise of its dorsal muscles, constantly staying on the surface.

Killer whale characteristics

Orcas, in general, are characterized by the following:

  • They are marine mammals, adapted to submerged life, with a characteristic black and white body, endowed with hydrodynamic proportions.
  • The males of the species can measure up to 9 meters long and weigh 5.5 tons, while the females range around 7.7 meters long and 4 tons in weight. Both sexes have an extensive dorsal fin that can reach 1.8 meters in length.
  • It is a natural born marine super predator, without rivals or natural enemies, which uses echolocation (emitting sound underwater) to perceive their prey.
  • They are migratory animals, which make up more or less extensive herds, capable of coordinating an attack on larger prey, such as whales or white sharks.
  • Four different types of killer whales have been identified, whose physical distinctions are more or less obvious, and which could indicate that new species have formed over time. It is a species under intense study by marine biologists.
  • They are highly intelligent animals, among the few capable of recognizing themselves in a mirror. They are capable of playing, of imitating other animals and of transmitting teachings to their offspring.

Where do orcas live?

Killer whales are present in absolutely every ocean in the world, from the cold waters of the polar oceans to the warm waters of the tropics. They are animals of much and continuous movement, being able to swim up to 60 kilometers a day and dive to depths of 150 meters repeatedly.

What do killer whales eat?

Killer whales feed on fish and marine mammals.

The diet of the killer whales is strictly carnivorous, and among their usual prey are salmon, tuna, herring, rays, cod, squid, penguins, whales, sharks and even other marine mammals, such as seals, porpoises, sea lions, and dolphins. The human being is not among its usual prey.

How do killer whales reproduce?

As in all mammals, the reproduction of the orca is sexual Y viviparousBut unfortunately not much is known about the reproductive habits of wild killer whales.

From the study of the specimens in captivity, it is known that they are a polygamous species, whose periods of heat are variable and unpredictable, depending on the individual, and that their gestation period lasts between fifteen and eighteen months, at the end of which they are gives birth to a single calf per parturition, at any time of the year.

How long do orcas live?

The average lifespan of an orca is comparable to that of a human being.

The average of life of an orca is comparable to that of a human being. Once the risk stages of infancy have passed (when about 37-50% of the calves die), orcas can lead lives of between 60 and 80 years, if they are males, and almost 100 years if they are of females. Like humans, female killer whales suffer from the end of ovulation and reproductive life (menopause) after a certain age.

How dangerous are killer whales?

There are records of killer whale attacks on human beings, generally accidental, as a result of confusion (a surfer that resembles a seal) or stress due to situations typical of captivity.

However, humans are not among the usual prey of the killer whale, and rather they tend to be curious and playful when interacting with humans, provided that they do not represent any immediate danger to them, of course.

A famous case of a particularly aggressive killer whale was that of Tilikum, an Icelandic killer whale that was involved in the deaths of three of his SeaWorld trainers in the United States. His story is told in the documentary Blackfish, of 2013.

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