The orca, or killer whale as it is commonly known, is the top marine predator and possibly the most widespread vertebrate on Earth. While they are most abundant in colder waters like Antarctica, Norway, and Alaska, they are also found in tropical and subtropical water.

Killer whales have rounded heads and blunt beaks and are the largest members of the dolphin family. They are famous for their striking combination of black and white: black backs and flanks with white underbellies. Most of them have a light gray saddle marking just behind their dorsal fin. Orcas also have large elliptical white patches on the side of their heads, just above and behind the eyes.

Highlighted in this video are the following orca facts:
1. Orcas are actually the largest member of the dolphin family
2. Killer whales are very social mammals and live in pods that can have between 5 - 50 members
3. Orcas are found in all oceans but are most abundant in colder waters, such as around Antarctica, Norway, and Alaska
4. Killer whales are apex predators, meaning they have no natural predators apart from humans
5. Orcas have an average length of 5.5 – 9.8 meters (18 – 32 feet). The male orca’s dorsal fin can be up to 1.8 meters tall (5.9 feet), and a female orca’s dorsal fin can be up to one meter tall (3.2 feet)
6. Killer whales can weigh up to 10,000 kg (11 tons)
7. The top swimming speed of an orca is 45 kph (28 mph)
8. Mother orcas give birth once every five years or so, usually to a single calf
9. Killer whales have a diverse diet that includes fish, cephalopods, mammals, seabirds, and penguins
10. Male orcas live for an average of 30 years in the wild and female orcas between 50 - 80 years

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