The orca (Orcinus orca), or killer whale, is a toothed whale that is the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family. It is the only extantspecies in the genus Orcinus. Orcas are recognizable by their black-and-white patterned body. A cosmopolitan species, they are found in diverse marine environments, from Arctic to Antarctic regions to tropical seas.

Orca
Killer whale[1]
Temporal range: Pliocene to recent[2]
 
 
 
Two killer whales jump above the sea surface, showing their black, white and grey colouration. The closer whale is upright and viewed from the side, while the other whale is arching backward to display its underside.
Transient orcas near Unimak Island, eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Diagram showing a 5.4 meter (18 foot) female killer whale compared to a 1.8 meter (5 foot 11 inches) human scuba diver.
5.4 meter (18 foot) female killer whale compared to 1.8 meter (5 foot 11 inches) human scuba diver