How Long Can A Killer Whale Stay Out Of Water

Orca (Orcinus orca)
normally known every bit Killer Whale
Species Code: OROR

Description: The orca (killer whale) is a toothed whale and is the largest member of the Dolphin family. These large marine mammals are easily distinguished by their black-and-white coloration, large dorsal fin and a sleek, streamlined body. The dorsal surface and pectoral flippers are blackness except for a grayish patch (saddle) that lies behind the dorsal fin and a white eyespot located just above and slightly backside each eye. The ventral surface, lower jaw and undersides of the flukes are predominately bright white. The distinctive patterns are a form of cover-up to hide their presence when in search of food.

In mature males, the dorsal fin is tall and triangular and can reach a pinnacle of 1.8 1000 (six ft.). Averages 5.8-6.7 m (xix-22 ft.); largest males on record were ix.8 grand (32 ft.)

In most females, the dorsal fin is typically smaller and slightly falcate (curved back), reaching an average height of 0.9-1.2 grand (iii-four ft.). Length: Averages 4.9-5.8 m (16-19 ft.) Females are by and large smaller than males.

Size: 7 to ix.7 m (23 to 32 ft) - about every bit long every bit a modest motorcoach
Weight: up to five,443 kg (6 tons)

Range/Habitat:
Orcas are found in oceans worldwide. They are most abundant in the Arctic and Antarctic and in areas of cold-h2o upwelling.

Alive in coastal and offshore waters; resident pods may frequent localized waterways (trophy, sounds, etc.) whereas transient pods tend to cover more all-encompassing, varied areas.

An extended association of orcas, known as the Southern Resident Orca customs, socialize and forage in the inland waters of Washington State and British Columbia. Both male and female person offspring remain with their mothers their entire lives (Orca Network).

Harbor seal photo Diet: Orcas are carnivorous (meat-eating) predators. They primarily prey upon marine mammals such as seals, bounding main lions, and even whales - using their sharp teeth that can be four inches (x centimeters) long. They are known to grab seals right off the ice. They also eat seabirds, fish, and squid.

The whales in the Puget Sound region are know every bit fish-eating "resident" killer whales - since they tend to consume primarily fish, catching salmon, schooled herring or rockfish. While those in the open up ocean are called mammal-eating "transient" killer whales - they regularly travel several hundred miles hunting for seals, bounding main lions, and other large mammals.

An adult orca consumes 100-300 pounds of food a solar day, depending on the animals size and free energy needs.

Beliefs: Like all dolphins, orcas use sophisticated biological sonar, called echolocation. Echolocation enables them to locate and discriminate objects underwater.

The vocalizations within a whale community are distinct and different from those in other communities, serving to keep the pods together. The calls also bring the pods together over large expanses of h2o when it is impossible for the whales to see each other.

How do Whales Swim?

Their large bodies are streamlined (hydrodynamic), like a submarine, for moving through the water. Whales take flukes or a tail used for pond. The flukes are moved in an upwards-and-downwardly move to accelerate.

The dorsal fin acts like the keel of a boat; it keeps the whale from rolling side to side while swimming.

Whales accept pectoral flippers just behind the head. These pectoral flippers are used for steering, turning, and stopping.

How do Whales Breathe?

Whales have lungs they employ to become the oxygen they need by breathing air (similar humans). But instead of breathing through their oral fissure, they breathe through their nostrils, called blowholes, located on top of their heads. They can hands exhale through the blowhole without lifting their entire caput out of the h2o.

Reproduction:

Females (cows) reach reproductive maturity at most xiv to 15 years.

Females give birth every iii to ten years, following a 17-month pregnancy. Immature are able to swim and dive at nativity, and they abound quickly on their mothers' milk. Calves are weaned after 12 months. Newborn calves are 7-8 anxiety long and weigh 136-181 kg (300-400 lb.)

Lifespan:

Some males accept been known to live into their 40s and perhaps up to 50+ years old. Females take been known to live to 60+ years erstwhile.

Did you know?

Whales are warm-blooded like other mammals.
A fatty tissue chosen "blubber" keeps them warm.
Echolocation enables them to locate and discriminate objects.
Orcas live in modest, shut-knit, groups called pods.
Males usually live into their 40s and females into their 60s.
Orcas accept no predators.

Two mammal-eating "transient" killer whales photographed off the south side
of Unimak Island, eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
photo by Robert Pittman, NOAA

More information:
Killer Whale - Animal Diversity Spider web
Killer Whale Facts and Photos - whale-images.com
Killer Whale Facts - National Geographic
The Center for Whale Research
The Whale Museum in Fri Harbor, Washington
Orca Network
Meet the Orcas of the Salish Sea
Gentle Giants of the Salish Ocean - interactive curriculum
Whale Watching Guide

Photos: Killer Whale Photos - Center for Whale Inquiry
Audio: Orca Sound - Center for Whale Research
Photo credits: Natures Pics (Harbor seal), Tim Knight (Orcas)