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Order : CETARTIODACTYLA
Infraorder : Cetacea
Family : Delphinidae
Species : Orcinus orca
Total Length : males up to
9.5m, females up to 7.0m.
Weight : males generally greater than 6 tonnes, females up to 4 tonnes.
With its striking black
and white patterning and high, triangular dorsal fin the renowned Killer
Whale or Orca is in many ways a unique, iconic species. Despite the name,
this species of 'whale' is more closely related to far smaller dolphins and porpoises
and is considered as a member of the Delphinidae family.
Full-grown males of the species may grow to 9.5 metres and females to 7
metres. Body colour in both males and species is overall black with white
areas on the cheek, throat and ventral surface.
The species has a varied diet depending on geographical location : this
includes various large fish species and other marine mammals. Pods of Killer
Whales may comprise many tens of individuals.
Killer Whales are distributed worldwide, but have higher populations in
temperate or cold polar waters. In tropical Southeast Asia sightings of
transient groups are seen in waters around the Indonesian archipelago and
the South China Sea.
Fig 1 :
Adult Killer Whale in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
Fig 2 :
Juvenile with parent.
Fig 3 :
Killer Whales can exhibit playfulness in the same manner as other
dolphins.
All photos thanks to Bruce Paterson
References : M2, M5
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