Alternate name: Orca

Family: Delphinidae, Ocean Dolphins view all from this family

Description Large, black dolphin with high dorsal fin and white eyespot. Male is larger and has an erect dorsal fin, female has a smaller curved dorsal fin. Large paddle-shaped flippers grow with age. Belly, chin, and underfluke are white. Has variable white and gray swirls on sides.

Dimensions 6.0-10.0m, 3500-7000kg

Warning While there are no reliable records of unprovoked attacks on humans, people should be extremely cautious of these animals and leave the water when they are nearby.

Habitat Offshore waters, Beaches, shorelines & estuaries

Range New England, Mid-Atlantic, Florida, Texas, California, Northwest, Eastern Canada, Western Canada, Alaska

Discussion An acrobatic swimmer in all oceans including deep and shallow waters.