KILLER FACTS Killer whales are also called Orca or Blackfish. Their scientific name is Orcinus orca. The scientific classification is: Kingdom: Animalia; Order: Cetacea; Sub-order: Odontoceti; Family: Delphinidae. Killer whales are the largest dolphins in the world. The main difference between whales and dolphins is their size. Killer whales are marine mammals. They breathe air and give birth to live young. When killer whales come to the surface to breathe air, a cloud of water droplets is formed at the surface where they exhale, this is referred to as "blow". Field studies in British Columbia suggest that females may live to a maximum of 70-80 years; males may live to 50 years of age. Researchers can identify killer whales by the appearance of their dorsal fins and grey saddle patch. Each whale can be recognized by distinct nicks, scars, and scratches, and some pigmentation patterns. Killer whales can travel as fast as 30 km/hr, but generally cruise at about 9 km/hr. Killer whales have well-developed eyesight, both above and below the water's surface. All pictures and audio © Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre 1999 Killer Facts | Distribution | Snacks & Facts | Clans & Pods | Whale Chat | Behaviour | Mug Shots |