Killer whales, or killer whales (they call them both) — hardy, aggressive and intelligent predators, living mainly in cold waters. They will attack any prey they can potentially handle, and are a far greater threat than even sharks.
Interesting facts about killer whales
- Killer whales attack even predatory white sharks (interesting facts about sharks).
- As a result of pregnancy, killer whales give birth to a single cub.
- The length of killer whale teeth can exceed 12 centimeters.
- Orcas do not spawn — they are mammals, not fish (interesting facts about fish).
- Pregnancy in killer whales lasts about 16-17 months.
- Despite their impressive size, killer whales swim at an alarming speed — up to 45-50 kilometers per hour.
- During the life of female killer whales give birth to 4-5 cubs, sometimes 6, but more — almost never.
- In nature, killer whales live in compact flocks, which include individuals that are relatives to each other. Conflicts between members of the same flock never lead to bloodshed.
- Orcas communicate with each other using echolocation, like dolphins.
- Adult killer whale eats 100-150 kg of food daily.
- Orcas never attack humans first. Perhaps such attacks were not recorded because people do not swim in the waters where killer whales live.
- Female killer whales live an average of 10-15 years longer than males.
- Due to the developed intellect, killer whales are quite amenable to training.
- The weight of an adult killer whale can reach 7.5 tons, and the length of — 10 meters.
- The biological closest relative of the killer whale — dolphin.
- At the surface of the water, the killer whale’s heart begins to beat twice as fast.
- A newborn orca cub reaches a length of two meters.