Orcinus orca, commonly known as the killer whale, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. It is the largest member of its family, with males reaching up to 9.8 m (32 ft) in length and weighing more than 10 tonnes (22,000 lb). Females are slightly smaller, growing up to 9.2 m (30 ft) long and 8 tonnes (18,000 lb) in weight. Calves are about 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) long at birth and weigh about 180 kg (400 lb). The species has a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. Some feed exclusively on fish while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and dolphins. They have been known to attack baleen whales on rare occasions but rarely consume them fully due largely to their large size. Orcas are regarded as apex predators because they occupy the top spot in many marine food webs.
The name “killer whale” is controversial; it was first used by ancient sailors who witnessed pods of orcas hunting other animals, but some feel that it gives a misleading impression of the creature’s character. “Killer whale” is the most common English name for the species worldwide, although different regions use different names: “orca” in Europe, Canada and Australia; “houngan” or “jorobado” in parts of Latin America;and