Orcinus orca

Orca (Killer Whale)

6-9 meter
50-80 jaar (vrouwtjes can exceed 100)
Onvoldoende gegevens
Over

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.

Grootte

6-9 meter (mannetjes groter)

Gewicht

3,600-5,400 kg (mannetjes tot 9,000 kg)

Levensduur

50-80 jaar (vrouwtjes can exceed 100)

Status

Onvoldoende gegevens

Waar je ze kunt vinden

Beste duiklocaties

Sea Of Cortez, MexicoLoreto, MexicoLa Paz, MexicoNorwegian Fjords (tromsø)British Columbia, CanadaIJslandNieuw-ZeelandAntarcticaGalápagos

Duiktips

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.

Beste seizoen

October to May in the Sea of Cortez

Leefgebied

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

Voeding

Highly varied by ecotype: fish, squid, rays, sharks, seals, dolphins, and whales
Wist je dat?

Leuke weetjes

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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