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Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)

Tall, triangular dorsal fin in adult males

Dark upper flukes, pale underside

Rounded head that narrows to a point

White chin

Pale saddle marking, variable in shape

Oval white patch behind each eye

Big paddle‑shaped flippers in adult males

White patch rising from belly upward

Robust body, predominantly jet black

  • Length: Large dolphin reaching roughly 5–9 metres

  • Group Size: Highly social, living in stable matrilineal pods

  • Key Features: Black‑and‑white body, tall dorsal fin, eye patch

  • Behaviour: Cooperative hunters with diverse, culturally learned tactics

  • Habitat: Globally distributed from polar to tropical oceans

  • Conservation Status: Listed as Data Deficient on IUCN Red List

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