The common killer whale (Orcinus orca), also known as killer whale, is one of the most widely distributed and striking cetaceans in everybody. Belonging to the family Delphinidae (that is, the family of sea dolphins), it is the largest genus of this family. Their color design, with black on the back and white on the ventral area, in addition to the eye area and a posterior spot, make them unmistakable animals
In addition, their robust build and hunting capabilities make them excellent predators In this tab on our site we will tell you all about the orcas or killer whales, their characteristics and other details, so keep reading!
Characteristics of the common orca or killer whale
As we mentioned, it is the largest species of the Delphinidae family, which also includes oceanic dolphins. Its maximum size is around 9 meters, the males being larger than the females, holding the record for the heaviest orca a male weighing 6,600 kg In addition to being smaller, females have considerably shorter dorsal fins than males. On the other hand, the young are born with an approximate size of 2 m and 200 kg in weight.
Like dolphins, killer whales are social and live and hunt in groups, having very peculiar hunting techniques that range from teaching and transmitting to their offspring. These are animals with a very high longevity, since, if they are able to live up to 15 years of age, the probability of surviving increases, being able to live more than 70 years
Their appearance makes them unmistakable, however, the younger ones can be confused with the false killer whale due to their smaller size.
Habitat of the common orca or killer whale
Whales are in the top 3 of mammals in size distribution, second only to humans and possibly rats. It is found in almost all the world's oceans and seas, being more common in temperate and coastal areas. They are rarely found in areas near the frozen sea, however, they do approach it periodically.
Due to its wide distribution, it is a species very difficult to census, which is why its populations are not perfectly quantified, but it is believed to be around 50,000 individuals.
Customs of the common orca or killer whale
Seasonal movements of killer whales appear to be related to variations in food sources. They move in groups of between 20-40 individuals, often associated according to their maternal ancestry (the mother and all her offspring), which often They group together in larger groups called “pods”. In turn, these are associated based on their vocalization or acoustic behavior, forming clans that have a specific vocal dialect, different from the rest of the clans, normally inherited from from the maternal line.
Killer whales are capable of producing a large number of sounds, both echolocation and social signals, having a highly developed communication system and complex. The newborn pups, as well as the juveniles, on the other hand, have a somewhat smaller repertoire, but as they grow they incorporate new sounds and, in addition, they present a very active and complex game behavior. The sounds include clicks that are used for echolocation, whistles and calls with different tones, which, together, make up dialects through which individuals in the same group communicate.
Feeding of the common orca or killer whale
Killer whales are opportunistic carnivores, being an apex predator of ocean waters, capable of feeding on a wide variety of animals, both vertebrates as invertebrates, fish being their main prey, as well as other marine mammals, such as seals or sea lions, and also seabirds. They are the main marine predators, forming almost the top of the food chain (even preying on sharks), since human beings are their only predator, hunting them for its use in the production of oil and meat, as well as to reduce competition with fishermen.
This species is also known worldwide for the violence with which it acts during its attacks, however, the name of whale killer is wrong, as it is actually some kind of dolphin, not a whale. Likewise, beyond their fame and the fact that they are considered dangerous, as we explained in the article Are killer whales?, attacks on humans are not common, however, they can attack boats if they are threatened, as well as during hunting attempts.
Reproduction of the common orca or killer whale
Since there are not many studies on the reproductive biology of this species, it is known that females have their first “litter” between 12 and 14 years of ageViability periods occur every 5 years, reaching about 5 offspring for each female throughout their reproductive life, which ends around 40 years of age. Males reach sexual maturity at 15 years of age and are polygamous , being able to copulate with females that are not even in heat or even with pregnant females.
On the other hand, killer whales can breed in any season, with winter being preferred, and with a gestation time that varies 15 to 18 months.
Conservation status of the common orca or killer whale
Since ancient times, killer whales have been viewed by humans as dangerous predators, being commonly persecuted and hunted. Today, however, our view of them is shifting to a much greater admiration and appreciation
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, there is not enough information available to determine their conservation status, appearing as Insufficient Information (DD)However, climate change (because it could modify their seasonal movements), hunting for meat or for recreation in aquariums and pollution, are its main threats.
