Information and Facts
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Introduction
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Top Killer Whale
Facts
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Killer Whales, also known as Orcas, rule the sea. The only dangers they face are humans, as there is no other creature in the sea that could possibly be a threat to them.
Killer Whales are top predators capable of attack even other
species of whales and several other sea mammals like seals or
sea lions. Still, they are considered one of the most
magnificent animals in the world.
Killer Whale
Anatomy
Killer whales belong to the order Delphinidae, so they are
actually dolphins, even though they are called “Whales”. In
fact, Killer Whales are the largest dolphin, since they are 30
feet long and 10,000 pounds in average when they are fully
grown.
According to scientific
research, male killer whales can live as long as 60 years,
while female killer whales reach up to 90 years old.
The look of the killer whales is also very attractive and
interesting with a combination of black with white parts giving
killer whales an unparallel appearance.
Killer Whales have a large sickle shaped dorsal fin, and large
flippers that are typical of all dolphins. This dorsal fin is
located at the top of the killer whales and they are easily
seen when the killer whales are close, because large males can
have dorsal fins as long as six feet tall.
Killer whales are great swimmers as most dolphins, reaching
travel speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
As dolphins, killer whales have one blow hole at the top of
their heads, and they breathe air in above the surface of the
water through this blow hole.
Killer
Whale Social Life
Killer whales live grouped in small pods which operate with
a sophisticated social structure. These pods are formed by
groups from 6 to 40 killer whales and they stay together during
their whole life.
Killer whale pods perform complex tasks which include
protection for the young, sick or injured as well as team work
for hunting.
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The breeding season for killer whales range from winter to early spring and it is usually performed in warm waters. Calves are born between October and March after a gestation period of 16-17 months.
Calves are born typically weighing 400 pounds and measuring from 6 to 8 feet long and they are able to swim beside their mother within thirty minutes of being born. In most cases, each female only gives birth to one calf.
After birth, calves are nursed by their mothers and midwives for up to 12 months and sometimes even longer until they are able to take care of themselves.
Killer whale Feeding
Killer whales usually survive on a diet of fish, squid, sharks, whales, seals, sea turtles, octopus, penguins, and sea gulls.
They have powerful teeth which typically are about 3 inches long, and 1 inch in diameter.
A common killer whale usually eats 550 pounds of food each day at least and they can travel hundreds of miles in order to catch seasonal prey.
Killer Whale Communication
Killer whales make a variety of sounds which include clicks, whistles, and even scream. These sounds are used to communicate with each other when hunting and mating. Each pod even has its own characteristic sounds, which help members to recognize each other.
Killer Whale Habitat
Killer Whales are found in every ocean in the world as they can be found in tropical waters, as well as arctic waters. They can be found near coastal waters, as well as deep waters.
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Killer Whale Information |
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