The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale and the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. The only extant species in the genus Orcinus, it is recognizable by its distinct …

A wild orca pod can cover over 99 miles (160 kilometers) a day, foraging and socializing. They were give the name "killer whale" by ancient sailors who saw them preying on large whales. …

Jan 2, 2026 · More than 20 species names have been applied to the killer whale, but a consensus now recognizes only O. orca. Killer whales were formerly referred to as grampuses, but that …

Learn facts about the orca’s habitat, diet, life history, and more.

Orcas are highly intelligent, social mammals that have long been a part of marine park entertainment, performing shows for audiences. However, it's become increasingly clear that …

Aug 18, 2025 · The killer whale, also known as orca, is the ocean’s top predator. It is the largest member of the Delphinidae family, or dolphins. Members of this family include all dolphin …

Calves at birth weigh about 180 kg and are about 2.4 m long (8 ft). The Killer Whale's large size and strength make them the fastest marine mammals, often reaching speeds in excess of 56 …

Orcas are very easy to spot in the ocean—their iconic black and white coloring gives them away. Orcas are incredibly powerful hunters and eat fish, seals, sharks and more. People began …

Jan 28, 2025 · Orcas are often called killer whales, even though they almost never attack humans. They live in every ocean around the world, from the warm waters near the equator to …

Orcas inhabit all oceans of the world but are most numerous in the Arctic, the Antarctic and areas in nutrient-rich cold water upwellings. They have been sighted along the shores of …