Killer whale (Orcinus orca)
Family Delphinidae
Description: Biggest and most powerful of all the dolphins, it is difficult to mistake an adult killer whale for any other species. In some parts of the world they may reach 10m in length, and weigh up to eight tonnes. The black and white coloration is striking and diagnostic. The throat, chest and belly are white with patches extending onto the flanks at the rear. There is also a distinctive white, oval patch just above the eyes on the large tapered head. A creamy-grey saddle behind the dorsal fin varies in shape and size, conspicuous in some, less so in others. An adult male is unmistakable for its huge, triangular dorsal fin, sometimes 1.5m or more high. The flippers of both male and female are large and paddle-shaped. They tend to travel in close-knit family pods, that may number as many as 30.
Habitat: Killer whales live in the open ocean, but will occasionally enter shallower water. Their prey in the UAE probably includes other cetaceans as well as turtles, seabirds and cold-blooded species such as fish and squid.
Range: In the UAE, regular reports, mostly by pilots, of their presence in the Arabian Gulf have yet to be confirmed. However, they are found off the east coast, well out to sea.
Comment: Despite their reputation, there is no record of a killer whale attacking a human. The social bonds and interactions of well-studied killer whales around the world have begun to change the opinions of many people about this species. The behaviour of captive whales has also shown the public that these are not ruthless killers, and many now regard them with affection and admiration. Today, campaigns around the world call for the release of killer whales from the many aquaria that prevent them from leading a natural life at sea.