Quick answers
| Question | Answer | Scope | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where they live | In every ocean. | Killer whales worldwide | NOAA Fisheries | |
| What they eat | It depends on the type. Residents eat only fish, mainly salmon; Transients (Bigg's killer whales) mostly eat marine mammals and squid. | Killer whale ecotypes named by NOAA | NOAA Fisheries | |
| What a group is called | A pod, usually a few to 20 or more close relatives. | Killer whales | NOAA Fisheries | |
| How long they live | Males about 30 years on average, up to at least 60; females about 50, up to at least 90. | Killer whales in the wild | NOAA Fisheries | |
| How big they get | Up to 11 tons and 32 feet. | Killer whales | NOAA Fisheries | |
| How long pregnancy lasts | 15 to 18 months, for a single calf. Females mature at 10 to 13 years. | Killer whales | NOAA Fisheries | |
| Does anything eat them? | No regular predator is listed; NOAA calls them an apex predator. | Killer whales | NOAA Fisheries |
In the sources’ own words
Where they live
NOAA Fisheries, Killer Whale“Killer whales are found in all oceans.”
Scope: Killer whales worldwide
What they eat
NOAA Fisheries, Killer Whale“…(called Residents) exclusively eats fish, mainly salmon, and another ecotype…”
“…(Transients or Bigg's killer whales) primarily eats marine mammals and squid.”
Scope: Killer whale ecotypes named by NOAA
What a group is called
NOAA Fisheries, Killer Whale“…most live in social groups called pods…”
“Pods typically consist of a few to 20 or more closely-related individuals…”
Scope: Killer whales
How long they live
NOAA Fisheries, Killer Whale“The average lifespan for male killer whales in the wild is about 30 years, but they can live up to at least 60 years. Females typically live about 50 years in the wild, but can live up to at least 90 years.”
Scope: Killer whales in the wild
How big they get
NOAA Fisheries, Killer Whale“Weight Up to 11 tons Length Up to 32 feet…”
Scope: Killer whales
How long pregnancy lasts
NOAA Fisheries, Killer Whale“Females reach sexual maturity when they are between 10 and 13 years old. They are typically pregnant for 15 to 18 months and give birth to a single calf.”
Scope: Killer whales
Does anything eat them?
NOAA Fisheries, Killer Whale“They are considered an apex predator…”
Scope: Killer whales
What these sources do not say
- What every orca type eats. NOAA's example covers Residents and Transients; other ecotypes are not broken down in the lines we quote.
- The size difference between males and females in the quick facts, which give one upper figure.