Killer Whales
(Also Known As Orca Whales)
Description
The killer whale is actually not a whale. It is the largest member of the dolphin family. Killer whales have a very distinctive black and white coloration. They are black on their upper surface with a while spot behind each eye. They are white on their lower surface. Male killer whales have straight, tall (up to 6 foot) dorsal fins while females have shorter (3 foot) sickle shaped dorsal fins. Killer whales have 46 to 50 cone-shaped teeth that interlock and are used to tear and grasp. The killer whale shares characteristics with whales, such as breaching, but it also reacts like the smaller members of the dolphin family. For instance, it is capable of spyhopping (a vertical position using its tail to keep it upright) to get a better view of its surroundings.
Predators
There are no known predators for the killer whale, other than man.
Prey
The most common food items for killer whales are seals, sea lions, porpoises and dolphins. Other killer whales enjoy animals such as polar bears and moose. Some killer whales, if they work together, can even kill and eat a Great White shark!
Habitat
Killer whales are usually found in cold, coastal waters around the world, though their presence has been traced from the polar regions to the equatorial belt.