Killer whales are the only whale to prey on other warm-blooded animals. Like wolves, they are pack hunters and will even attack a lame blue whale.

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Overview

Picture of a killer whale gliding through waterOrder: Artiodactyla

Family: Delphinidae

Species: Orcinus orca

IUCN Status: Data Deficient

Distribution: in every ocean as far as the ice packs of the Arctic and Antarctic

Length: males 8-9m, females 7-8m

Weight: males up to 6500kg, females up to 4500kg

Life-span: up to 100 years.

Food: fish, squid and less often, seals and other whales.

The name 'killer' that we humans give to these whales is perhaps deceptive. However, they are the only whale to prey on other warm-blooded animals. Like wolves, they are pack hunters and will even attack a lame blue whale.

Read More: Behaviour

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