Orcinus orca

Orca (Killer Whale)

6-9 mètres
50-80 ans (les femelles peuvent dépasser 100)
Données insuffisantes
À propos

Orca (Killer Whale)

The orca is the ocean's supreme apex predator — intelligent, highly social, and found in every ocean on Earth. In Mexican waters, orcas are encountered in the Sea of Cortez, particularly between October and May, where they hunt mobula rays, sea lions, and other prey. Different ecotypes specialise in different diets, from fish to marine mammals. Their complex social structures, sophisticated hunting strategies, and distinctive black-and-white colouration make every encounter unforgettable.

Taille

6-9 mètres (mâles plus grands)

Poids

3,600-5,400 kg (mâles jusqu'à 9,000 kg)

Durée de vie

50-80 ans (les femelles peuvent dépasser 100)

Statut

Données insuffisantes

Où les trouver

Meilleurs sites de plongée

Sea Of Cortez, MexiqueLoreto, MexiqueLa Paz, MexiqueNorwegian Fjords (tromsø)British Columbia, CanadaIslandeNouvelle-ZélandeAntarctiqueGalápagos

Conseils de plongée

In-water encounters with orcas are rare and typically happen by snorkelling, not scuba diving (bubbles can deter them). If you encounter orcas, enter the water quietly, maintain a respectful distance, and never approach directly. Let them come to you. These are wild apex predators — treat every encounter with respect.

Meilleure saison

October to May in the Sea of Cortez

Habitat

All oceans, from polar to tropical waters. In Mexico: Sea of Cortez, Pacific coast

Régime alimentaire

Highly varied by ecotype: fish, squid, rays, sharks, seals, dolphins, and whales
Le saviez-vous ?

Faits amusants

1

Orcas have the second-largest brain of any ocean creature and demonstrate culture, language dialects, and teaching behaviour

2

Different orca populations have entirely different diets and never interbreed

3

They can swim at speeds up to 56 km/h, making them the fastest marine mammal

4

In the Sea of Cortez, orcas have been filmed herding and feeding on massive schools of mobula rays

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