Orca (Killer Whale)

1. The Apex Predator

Orcas are the top predators of the ocean—they have no natural predators (except occasionally other orcas). They hunt everything from small fish to great white sharks, seals, sea lions, and even other whales. Different populations (ecotypes) have specialized diets: some eat only fish, others specialize in marine mammals. They're the ocean's equivalent of wolves—intelligent, coordinated, and ruthless.

2. The Three Ecotypes

In the North Pacific, orcas are divided into three distinct ecotypes with different cultures, diets, and behaviors: Resident (fish-eaters, especially salmon), Transient (marine mammal hunters), and Offshore (shark and fish specialists). They don't interbreed and have different "dialects." It's like having three different species that look the same.

3. The Matriarchal Society

Orcas live in matrilineal pods—stable family groups led by a matriarch (usually the oldest female). These pods can last for generations, with individuals staying together for life. The matriarch's knowledge (hunting grounds, migration routes, social customs) is passed down through the generations. When a matriarch dies, the pod can struggle to survive.

4. The Cultural Dialects

Each pod has a unique "dialect"—a set of vocalizations (clicks, whistles, pulsed calls) that are learned and culturally transmitted. Pods that share similar dialects form "clans," and multiple clans form "communities." Orcas from different communities can't understand each other's calls. It's like having regional languages and accents.

5. The Great White Shark Hunter

In South Africa, some orcas have learned to hunt great white sharks. They flip the shark upside down, inducing tonic immobility, then eat the nutrient-rich liver (leaving the rest). This behavior has caused great whites to flee entire areas when orcas are present. The ocean's top predator fears the orca.

6. The Spyhopping Behavior

Orcas practice "spyhopping"—they raise their heads vertically out of the water to observe their surroundings. This behavior helps them locate prey on ice floes, check out boats, or simply satisfy their curiosity. It's a sign of their intelligence and awareness of their environment.

7. The Deep Diver

While they often hunt near the surface, orcas are capable of deep dives. Some individuals have been recorded diving to depths exceeding 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). They can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes, though most dives are shorter. This allows them to hunt in a wide range of depths.

8. The Wave Washing

In Antarctica, Type B orcas use a technique called "wave washing" to hunt seals on ice floes. A group of orcas swims in formation, creating a wave that washes the seal off the ice. It's a coordinated, strategic hunt that requires precise timing and teamwork—pure orca intelligence in action.

9. The Menopause Mystery

Female orcas are one of only three species (along with humans and short-finned pilot whales) that experience menopause. They can live decades after they stop reproducing, acting as "grandmothers" who help raise grandchildren and share knowledge. This suggests that older females are crucial to pod survival.

10. The Name Confusion

Despite being called "killer whales," orcas are actually dolphins (family Delphinidae). The name likely comes from "whale killer" (they kill whales), which got reversed to "killer whale." In many cultures, they're revered rather than feared. The name "orca" comes from the Latin Orcinus, meaning "of the kingdom of the dead"—a reference to their power and dominance.