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False Killer Whale

If you thought this animal was a killer whale, that would be false! While they share some physical similarities, false killer whales lack the striking white undersides and eye patches that true killer whales have.

 

False killer whales can be found in tropical and warm temperate waters throughout most of the world’s oceans. This is mainly present in deep waters and is one of the largest members of the dolphin family, growing up to 6 meters (20 feet) long. They have long, dark, slender bodies and a rounded head with no beak. Scientists can use natural markings like scars, nicks, or other physical irregularities to identify them.

False killer whales form strong bonds leading to divisions of “friend groups” made up of a few individuals that break off from the larger aggregation to hunt for prey. They are also often found socializing and associating with whales and other species of dolphin, such as the bottlenose dolphin. While hunting, false killer whales display remarkable cooperation – they are known to come together and share their catch, usually fish or squid, with other members of the group. Agile and athletic, they are able to dive 300-500 meters (91-152 feet) down or jump well above the surface when in pursuit of prey. They also have been witnessed slinging fish high above the water before eating them.

 

 

False killer whales face a variety of threats, such as overfishing, pollution, toxic algal blooms, and hunting, leading to its status as a near threatened species on the IUCN Red List.  

Fishing 

False killer whales are known to take bait off hook lines, which often results in entanglement or accidental capture. They also compete directly with fishers for prey, as many of their favorite prey items are targeted for sale and human consumption – such as mahimahi, tuna, and wahoo. 

Toxic Contaminants 

As a species with a long lifespan that consumes a lot of prey items, false killer whales are susceptible to toxins in the ecosystem. Toxic contaminants like chemical runoff, plastic debris, and algal blooms can greatly impact the health of these marine mammals. 

Hunting 

In some countries, false killer whales have been hunted for their meat and oil as well as to eliminate them as competition to fishers.

 

 

Though they face a variety of threats, false killer whales have been protected under the U.S.’s Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for decades – a landmark law that has saved whales, dolphins, sea otters, and seals for over 50 years. Keeping acts like the MMPA in place the survival and success of all marine mammals. Speak up to defend this law from potential attacks in Congress today. 

 

 

 

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