4. It is the largest member of the Delphinidae family, or oceanic dolphins. It is the only species in the genus Orcinus. Orcas have been spotted at both poles and the equator. [14] "The complex and stable vocal and behavioural cultures of sympatric groups of killer whales ( Orcinus orca ) appear to have no parallel outside humans and represent an independent evolution of cultural faculties". This naturally rare dolphin species is commonly found in open waters and warm climates, particularly near the Hawaiian islands. Despite its name, the killer whale is not actually a whale and is instead the largest member of the dolphin family. The research conducted on board and in collaboration with Project Orca has enabled us to identify over 150 killer whales which we now know by name! (CNN)Dolphins may seem cute and friendly, but the largest member of the dolphin family is actually none other than the ultimate hunter of the sea — the killer whale, also known as an orca. This is partly because of their striking black and white colouration but also because of their presence in marine parks where they are made to perform and do tricks. Killer whales don’t kill people and are in fact the largest member of the dolphin family. 3. Killer whales most widely distributed marine mammals, found in all parts of the oceans. A male killer whale at the rear showing the charcteristic much larger dorsal fin compared to the female in the foreground. Orcas live in all latitudes, in all oceans, from the Arctic Ocean to Antarctica. A killer whale prefers cold, coastal waters, yet live in every ocean in the world. The killer whale, or orca, is a carnivorous marine mammal found throughout the world’s oceans. In ancient times orcas were referred to as asesina ballenas, or ‘whale killer’ – a term that was eventually flipped around to the easier ‘killer whale’. J-2 passed away in October 2016, at approximately 105 years old. 1) Killer whales are also sometimes referred to as the Orca, Orca whale or Blackfish. With its well-known tall dorsal fin and characteristic black and white color pattern, the killer whale has been known to coastal peoples for thousands of years and is one of the more recognizable species today. The killer whale's use of dialects and the passing of other learned behaviours from generation to generation have been described as a form of culture. 10 Killer Whales or Orca Whales Facts: 1. Dougal Robertson and his family of five escaped to an inflatable life raft and a dinghy. Take a look at our killer whale facts to discover all the amazing things these large mammals can do. It will take sixteen months for a female to produce and give birth. While less is known regarding the false killer whale’s diet, rare observations suggest that they may also … One of the ocean’s largest predators, male orcas can grow to 9.5 m (32 ft) in length, while females are slightly smaller at 8 m (23 ft). Killer Whale. The lifespans of wild females average 50 years. Killer whales are not whales and are the largest dolphins species instead. Top Facts about Killer Whales. An adult male killer whale can reach between 20 and 26 feet in length. The teeth that a killer whale has for eating fish and various marine mammals are very large. The killer whale, also known as an orca (Orcinus orca), is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. Killer whales are some of the most well-known marine mammals. Most males never leave their mothers. Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey.