The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. It is the only extant species in the genus Orcinus and is recognizable by its black-and-white patterned body.

They are very familiar with their black and white colouring but actually, depending on where they live, have very different appearances, behaviour, ways of communicating and diet! Find out some amazing facts below about the incredible orcas.

The existing population, known as orca or killer whale, are a well known apex predator readily distinguished by their great size, 7 to 10 metres long, and mostly black and white coloring. These are highly intelligent and gregarious animals, able to communicate, educate, and cooperate in hunting the largest marine animals.

There are two recognized species of killer whales: the resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) and the transient killer whale (Orcinus orca). The resident killer whale is further divided into three subspecies: the Northeast Pacific resident, the North Atlantic resident, and the Southern resident.

2025年1月14日 · They are one of the most recognizable marine mammals, with their distinctive black and white bodies. Globally, killer whales occur in a wide range of habitats, in both open seas and coastal waters.

2023年7月27日 · Since they have no real natural enemies, the protective coloration found in most ocean animals has been lost in the killer whale. Their bodies are black with a white underside and eye patches, and there is a white to gray area behind the dorsal fin called the saddle.

2024年4月12日 · Orcas (Orcinus orca), also known as Killer whales, are easily recognized by their black-and-white markings on their bodies. More specifically, these whales have an iconic white patch near their eyes. But why do these mammals sport the markings?

The orca is a large black and white species of whale. Their body is stocky and powerfully built to assist them when hunting. The underside is white with a stripe up the side halfway along the body.

2023年8月28日 · Killer whales weigh between 8,000 to 16,000 pounds. What Does a Killer Whale Look Like? Killer whales have a distinct black and white saddle pattern. Are Orcas Mammals? Orcas are marine mammals in the dolphin species. How Do Orcas Sleep? Orcas sleep with one eye open and power down half of their brain. Orca Killer Whale: On the Brink of Extinction

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are black and white-toothed whales, part of the oceanic dolphin family. The science is not entirely clear at this point, but it is possible that there are from three to five subspecies, or species, of orcas.