The orca is the largest living member of the dolphin family. Also called the killer whale, it is classified in the family Delphinidae despite its whale-like common name and large body.
Orcas have distinctive black-and-white coloration, a tall dorsal fin, and powerful jaws. They live in every ocean, from tropical waters to polar seas, and different populations often specialize in particular prey such as fish, seals, or other whales. These ecological differences are reflected in varied hunting methods and vocal traditions.
Adult males are generally larger than females and may exceed 9 metres in length. Orcas live in stable social groups, commonly called pods, often led by older females. The pilot whale is also a large dolphin, but both pilot whale species are smaller than orcas. Bottlenose dolphins are much smaller and belong to the same broader family.