Ocean orca – an apex predator of the waters

Although the ocean orca belongs to the dolphin family, it is far from a gentle mammal. Agile, fast, intelligent and perfectly organized – these are the qualities that make it the undisputed ruler of the sea depths. What is the life of this remarkable predator like?

What does ocean plowing look like?

The oceanicorca (Orcinus orca), also known as the swordfish, is a marine mammal with a distinctive contrasting coloration – black back, white belly and prominent white spots around the eyes and fins. Its body is spindly and aerodynamic, allowing it to turn instantly and achieve impressive speed in the water. An adult male can measure up to 9.8 meters and weigh as much as 6.6 tons, and its dorsal fin reaches an impressive 180 cm in height, with the fin often completely vertical. Females are slightly smaller – up to 7.7 meters in length and 4.7 tons in weight, and their fin has a more curved shape.

Orcas are impressive in size even just after birth – a newborn can be 2.6 meters long and weigh up to 180 kg. Interestingly, the young are born with a yellowish skin coloration that fades within a few months.

Orcas also have very distinctive teeth – strong, conical, making it easier to grasp and tear prey. Adult individuals have 40 to 56 teeth, each up to 10 cm long. Their eyes, although relatively small, are well adapted to see both underwater and above the surface. Located just in front of the white spots, there is often confusion about their actual location.

The skin of the orca is smooth and flexible, which further reduces water resistance during swimming. Underneath it is a thick layer of fat, known as spermaceti, which performs insulating and energetic functions – especially important in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.

Where does ocean plowing occur?

Orcas are present in almost all waters of the world – from the tropics to the poles. Although they can adapt to a variety of conditions, they are most abundant in cold regions near the Arctic and Antarctica. Their environmental flexibility makes them among the most widespread marine mammals on Earth.

It is rare to spot orcas on the east coast of Scotland as they are most frequently seen on the north and west coasts.https://t.co/MI0XG3AzuT pic.twitter.com/Pa8hXVK1KC

– STV News (@STVNews) June 3, 2025

Lifestyle

Orcas are eminently social. They form matriarchal herds of several to 40 individuals, often spanning multiple generations. The group is led by an experienced female, and after her death the males leave the herd and often lead a solitary lifestyle or join other groups temporarily. Females, on the other hand, establish new groups with their own offspring, but maintain contact with the original family. Family ties are extremely strong – there are known cases of males spending their entire lives close to their mothers.

These animals are highly mobile – they can swim up to 150 km a day at speeds of up to 60 km/h. They use echolocation to navigate and communicate using complex sound systems, creating unique dialects within clans. Each has its own set of clicks, whistles and swishes, which are passed down from generation to generation.

The ocean’s top predator

The ocean orca is at the very top of the food chain – it is a predator that no one else attacks. Its diet includes more than 140 species of animals – from fish and cephalopods to turtles, seals, dolphins, sharks (including white sharks) and whales. But it’s not just a matter of strength – orcas exhibit remarkable intelligence and the ability to cooperate.

Their hunting strategies are astonishing: they can create waves that sweep seals off the orifice, stun fish with a flick of the tail, chase dolphins into the shallows or even swim ashore for prey. In the case of large cetaceans, they attack the nostrils and fins, and sometimes… enter the mouth of a blue whale to feed on its tongue. Each hunt is a coordinated action – as in an experienced hunting team.

Relationship between orca and man

Although orcas are predators, they are rarely aggressive toward humans. Attacks occur exceptionally and are most often due to confusion. An example is the observed groups of Southern Residents and Northern Residents orcas in North America, which often swim up to kayakers – but do so out of curiosity, not with the intent to attack.

The situation is different in captivity. The stress of limited space and monotony of the environment leads to frustration, manifested by aggression or dorsal fin dropping. Orcas in oceanariums live an average of 25-30 years, while in the wild they can live up to 90. Many years of isolation, lack of pressure and temperature changes and inability to fulfill natural needs result in behavioral disorders. There have also been rare cases of deliberate aggression against caretakers, which scientists link to unnatural living conditions in pools.

Extraordinary intelligence of orcas and their importance in the ecosystem

Orcas impress not only with their size and strength, but above all with their wits. They can solve problems, learn by observation, form complex social bonds and develop their own strategies for action. In captivity they are capable of carrying out complex commands, but it is in the natural environment that their intelligence manifests itself most fully – in hunting, communication and family behavior. Sometimes they play for pure enjoyment and show empathy towards members of their group.

As dominant predators in the marine ecosystem, orcas have a key impact on their environment. They control prey populations, influence the behavior of other species and help maintain the biological balance of the oceans. Observing these animals allows you not only to understand their complex world, but also to better grasp the importance of protecting the oceans. Each encounter with an orca is a unique lesson and a reminder that there is just as complex and fascinating life under the waves as on the surface.

MAIN PHOTO: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen/Unsplash