Common Killer Whale

The killer whale is the largest dolphin, unmistakable in typical form by its black-and-white pattern, white eye patch, broad flippers and tall dorsal fin. Adult males develop much larger straight fins than females. Populations differ markedly in size, prey specialization, calls and social traditions (NOAA Fisheries; specialist killer-whale research).

It occurs in every ocean, though records in tropical Thai waters are uncommon. Diet varies by population and can include fish, sharks, rays, seals, dolphins and whales; techniques are learned socially within stable matrilineal groups. Because local ecology cannot be inferred from well-studied polar populations, only species-wide traits are stated (NOAA Fisheries). It is Nationally Data Deficient (Thailand Red Data 2025).