Scientific Name – orcinus orca

Classification – cetacean

Gender Names -males – bull; females – cow; baby – calf

Collective Noun – Pod

Average Length – 8 – 10 metres (19 – 22 feet)

Average Weight – 3,600 – 5,400 kg (8,000 – 12,000 pounds) males are heavier than females

Speed – Up to 48 km/h (30 mph)

Life Expectancy – males – 40 – 60 years females 60 – 80 years

Mating Season – All year round but mainly in the Summer

Pregnancy – 17 months

Special Features – Has a black back but a white underside. Killer whales have sharp teeth for hunting and a blowhole to expel carbon dioxide

Family Unit – Orcas form strong bonds and live in close knit pods. They are intelligent animals often developing hunting strategies.

Geographical Distribution – Found in oceans all over the world.

World Population – Total world population is unknown.

Conservation Status – Unknown due to insufficient data

Natural Habitat – Killer whales live in oceans all over the world.

Diet – Carnivore.

Predators – Healthy adults – man, weak, old and young – sharks

 

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