Mar 19, 2024, 11:23 AM IST

Surprising facts about killer whale (Orcas)

Pravrajya Suruchi

Largest Dolphin: Orcas hold the title as the largest member of the dolphin family, boasting impressive size and strength.

Majestic Size: A male orca can reach nearly ten metres in length and weigh a staggering 10,000 kilograms, making them truly formidable marine creatures.

Intelligent Hunters: Known for their intelligence, orcas exhibit remarkable coordination in hunting tactics, showcasing their strategic prowess in the ocean's depths.

Long Lifespan: Female orcas are believed to live up to 80 years or more, demonstrating their potential for longevity in their natural habitat.

Tower of Dorsal Fins: The dorsal fin of a male orca can tower up to two meters tall, adding to their imposing appearance and distinctive silhouette.

Speed Demons: Orcas are incredibly swift swimmers, reaching impressive speeds of up to 54 kilometers per hour, making them formidable predators in the ocean.

Nomadic Wanderers: Wild orca pods are known to cover vast distances, often traversing over 160 kilometers a day as they forage for food and engage in social interactions.

Misleading Moniker: Ancient sailors dubbed them "killer whales" after witnessing their predatory behavior, which includes hunting large whales, despite their classification as dolphins.

Ongoing Threat: Despite conservation efforts, orcas are still hunted in certain countries such as Greenland, posing a threat to their populations and ecosystems.

This information is not DNA's opinion but obtained from media reports