Home › Mammalia › Delphinidae › Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)
SPECIES PROFILE
Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)
Orcinus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Worldwide
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Coastal and offshore
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Cetacea
FAMILY
Delphinidae
GENUS
Orcinus
📋 Description
SIZE
6-9 m body, 3-6 tonnes
COLORATION
Black and white
ADAPTATIONS
Apex predator, cultural groups
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Coastal and offshore
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Worldwide
REPRODUCTION
1 calf every 3-5 years
DIET DETAILS
Fish, seals, whales
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Pollution, prey depletion
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Killer whales are the largest dolphins and have complex social structures and dialects.
2
They are highly intelligent and have different ecotypes.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Andenes Norway
Shetland UK
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Summer
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Common on whale-watching in Norway.
