The orca, or killer whale, is the largest species within the oceanic dolphin family. This apex predator is found in oceans worldwide and is recognized for its striking black-and-white coloring. Understanding the dimensions of this powerful animal helps to appreciate its role as a top ocean hunter.
Core Length and Weight Parameters
Orcas display significant sexual dimorphism, with males noticeably larger than females. Adult males typically reach 20 to 26 feet (6 to 8 meters) in length and weigh 12,000 pounds (5,400 kilograms) on average, though some can exceed 22,000 pounds (10,000 kilograms). Females are smaller, generally measuring 16 to 23 feet (5 to 7 meters) long, with weights ranging from 8,000 to 11,000 pounds (3,500 to 5,000 kilograms). The size of orcas can also vary based on their ecotype, with some Antarctic populations exhibiting the greatest size.
Distinctive Physical Dimensions
The size of the orca’s appendages contributes substantially to its overall scale. The dorsal fin is the most obvious marker of size and sex, and is the largest of any cetacean. In mature males, the dorsal fin is tall and triangular, often reaching 6 feet (1.8 meters) in height, while the female’s fin is shorter and more curved, typically measuring 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters). The pectoral flippers of a large male can measure up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) and are used for steering and stabilization. The tail flukes, which provide powerful thrust for swimming, can span up to 9 feet (2.75 meters) from tip to tip in a large male.
Size Context and Comparisons
The scale of an adult orca is best understood by comparing it to its size at birth and to other marine life. A newborn calf measures about 7 to 8.5 feet (2.1 to 2.6 meters) long and weighs approximately 260 to 400 pounds (120 to 180 kilograms). Compared to a great white shark, the orca is significantly larger, as the shark reaches a maximum length of about 20 feet. While the orca is the largest dolphin, it is much smaller than the largest whales, such as the blue whale, which can exceed 100 feet in length.