EcoWorld - Whales

One of the most famous cetaceans, the Orca is found in all oceans and seas around world. Most scarce in deep waters off the coast and in the tropics and sub-tropics where the waters are not as productive. Ice cover limits their polar distribution, although they are not adverse to the waters there. The Orca does not typically migrate like other whale species and they seem to be able to survive in warm or cold waters, or both.

The primary color of the Orca is black with a greyish "saddle" behind the dorsal fin. Distinctive white marking include the oval patch behind the eyes, the underside of the jaw which extends back along the throat and underside to the flanks and vent area forming a three pronged fork, two prongs reaching up along the flanks and the third covers the vent area. The undersides of the tail flukes are also white. In males, the triangle shaped dorsal fin can reach up to 1.8m (6ft) straight up in the air. The female Orca will display a dorsal fin about half that size with more of a curve. The head is round, and inside the beak you will find 10 to 12 pairs of large peg like teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

Weight: weights range from 10.5 tonnes (11.5 tons) for males, 7.4 tonnes (8 tons) for females.

Length: around 9.75m (32ft) for males and 8.5m (28ft) for females.

Lifespan: wide ranging, from 25 to 90 years, typically females have a longer lifespan.

Habitat and Range: Orcas are found in waters from the polar regions to the equator, and are frequently seen among ice floes. They can adapt to almost any conditions, and are comfortable in both open sea and coastal waters, they have even been spotted in estuaries.

Endangered Status: Not Threatened