Killer whale Killer whale The killer whale or orca ("Orcinus orca") is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey. Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and other species of dolphin. They have been known to attack baleen whale calves, and even adult whales. Killer whales are apex predators, as no animal preys on them. A cosmopolitan species, they can be found in each of the world's oceans in a variety
Captive killer whales twice that length or and a minimum depth of , giving a minimum volume of for two killer whales. Each additional killer whale requires a pool with an additional of volume. 9 CFR 3.104 also requires a minimum of surface area per killer whale in Table IV (the example with a cylindrical tank in diameter for two whales provides of surface area per killer whale). Swiss regulations require a larger minimum volume: × deep for two killer whales, or . The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) goes further, and recommends for two killer whales. The US exhibitors