Orca
Orca
Orca
With its adorable appearance and high intelligence, orcas are popular at aquarium shows. However, I have the impression that many of the aliases and nicknames of killer whales are noisy. In fact, it has the nickname "Gang of the Sea", and the scientific name orcinus orca means "monster from the underworld". True to its name, killer whales are a fierce and fearsome species that stands at the top of the ecosystem. Orcas have conflicting elements, but what kind of ecology is they in the wild? Let's take a look at the usual state of killer orcas.
Orca Basic Infomation
Mammalia-Cetartiodactyla-Delphinidae-Orca genus.
Male:length 5.8〜6.7m weight 3,628〜5,442kg. Female:length 4.9〜5.8m weight 1,361〜3,628kg.
Orcas are said to be the most widely distributed mammals and can be found in oceans around the world, although they prefer cold water.
Although they are currently counted as one species, it is generally accepted that there are three (or four) types based on differences in diet and size. Research on orca species is still ongoing, and it’s exciting to see what conclusions will be reached in the future.
Orcas are generally active in groups and have their own social structure. The way to identify individuals is by the white pattern above their eyes called an “eye patch” or a pattern at the base of their dorsal fin called a “saddle patch”.
The personality is active and curious. They have a habit of swimming more than 100km a day and approaching things they are interested in to check them.
As a characteristic that can be seen in other organisms, it has been found that orcas use two types of sounds. The sound called “call” is used for communication within the group. On the other hand, the sound called “clicks” is a sound wave used for hunting.
It has been found that they can judge what is ahead by emitting it and paralyze their prey by condensing it and releasing it. It seems that their accuracy is very high, such as distinguishing between two threads that are only a few mm apart.
Due to their high intelligence, shows are held all over the world. By the way, in Japan, you can see orca shows only at Kamogawa Sea World and Nagoya Port Aquarium.
Orca Q&A
Is it true that orcas are obedient to humans?
It is not wrong to say that killer whales are said to be friendly to humans. Orcas are very intelligent and appear in shows with humans all over the world.
It is said that they “become attached” to humans by following what humans say, but whether they are obedient or not is another matter. In fact, there have been human fatalities in orca shows. Unfortunately, it is an accident that can happen when dealing with animals.
Humans tend to say “it was just playing,” but only the animal itself knows if that’s really true. Especially since orcas are very intelligent animals.
Is there any meaning in the cute black and white patterns of orcas?
There are several types of black and white animals in nature, with zebras and pandas being famous except for orcas.
They are popular for their lovely appearance, but these colors are said to be protective colors called partition colors.Partition color refers to the body color of an animal that is difficult to recognize as a single organism because its body is divided by a conspicuous pattern.
It seems to stand out very much, but that’s because we’re looking at it with human eyes.It is said that animal eyes cannot feel colors as much as human eyes, and basically it seems to be a black-and-white world.
If you have a body color like an orca in a black-and-white world, you are more likely to be in an advantageous situation as a predator.
The white pattern above the eyes is also called an eye patch and can be said to be synonymous with the lovely appearance of orcas.
The eye patch is also a partition color, and it seems to have the effect of causing prey’s eyes to misrecognize the direction of movement. It is also said to be used to grasp the positional relationship within the group.
For humans, it is treated as a symbol of loveliness, but for orcas, it is an essential function for hunting.
What do orcas eat?
When it comes to orcas, they are known for being ferocious despite their adorable appearance. They are famous for preying on seals. Their appearance of attacking seals by climbing onto ice is so terrifying.
However, since orcas are animals that stand at the top of the marine ecosystem, there are many prey items available to them. They eat fish and birds, and even great white sharks and polar bears are prey items.
Speaking of great white sharks, they are terrifying sharks that became the model for the movie “Jaws” for humans.
For orcas, even great white sharks are just food.It’s surprising that they even attack polar bears which are one of the most ferocious land animals.
However, since orcas inhabit many marine areas, it is said that what they prey on differs depending on the area. It seems that not all orcas prey on great white sharks or polar bears.
Are orcas really the strongest creatures in the ocean?
In areas orca whales live, it is a well-known fact that they are at the top of the food chain in their ecosystem. However, it is not clear whether they can be called “the strongest” in all seas.
This is because even compared to creatures that they never encounter, it is nothing more than a theoretical fantasy.
Orcas also prey on whales, but whales have a huge body that exceeds 20m. Orcas hunt in groups against whales, but they probably cannot win one-on-one.
It is also known that orcas that prey on sharks have many wounds on their bodies.This is because they are being attacked in return. If sharks are attacked, they will resist, so in some cases killer whales may not be safe either.
The natural ecosystem is very complex and cannot be simply called “the strongest”. However, perhaps that’s why we never lose interest in it.
Do orcas have no natural enemies?
Are there any beings that can be called natural enemies in the waters orca whales live? The answer is NO.
In areas where orcas live, they reign at the top of the food chain. Of course, if it is a young or sick individual, it may be preyed upon by a single great white shark. Therefore, if it is a healthy adult, it can be said that there are no natural enemies.
Although it changes the subject a little, if I had to mention one, “humans” could be considered as natural enemies.
Humans who destroy the environment or capture animals for research may be natural enemies for all animals. However, not all humans are like that, so I don’t want to think that all humans are evil.
Where does the orca get its name? Is it related to shachihoko?
An animal called "orca" in English and "shachi" in Japanese. Why is it called an shachi in Japanese this time? We will introduce its origin.
In conclusion, the name shachi is said to be derived from the imaginary animal "shachi".
Shachi are fancy animals with a tiger head and a fish body.The shachihoko in the castle tower of Nagoya Castle in Japan is also said to be derived from shachi, and shachi and shachihoko are not unrelated.
Shachihoko was attached to the castle tower of Nagoya Castle as a symbol of strength.
Also, shachi have not always been called shachi. In the old days, it was called "sakamata", and the origin is a weapon called "geki" in China.
The dorsal fin of the shachi looked like a geki, which led to it being called sakamata.
Shachihoko and geki are both symbols of strength. It's the perfect origin for shachi, which are the pinnacle of the ecosystem.
Why are orcas called sea gangs?
Orcas are very intelligent and highly skilled hunters. Their behavior is not much different from that of humans, such as surprise attacks, cooperation, and flanking.
Their weapons are their large bodies and sharp teeth, as well as a sound called clicks. Clicks are not unique to orcas, but they have the effect of paralyzing prey by hitting them with condensed sound waves.
They also attacked sharks swimming near the sea surface from directly below and killed them with a single blow.
In addition, they prey on seagulls that lure them by spitting out fish they put in their mouths, and they hunt seals on ice by repeatedly traveling back and forth under the ice to create waves and drop them into the sea before eating them.
When hunting whales larger than themselves, they climb on top of the whale in groups and interfere with their breathing to suffocate them.
Their hunting behavior is not just about chasing prey but also about hunting after understanding the characteristics of their prey, which can be described as gang-like behavior.
What does it mean that orcas will not be able to have children?
Orcas form groups on a family basis and engage in social activities. Their behavior is very similar to that of humans. In fact, orcas have many similarities with humans in terms of reproduction.
Female orcas start giving birth to children around 14-15 years old and have about 4-6 children throughout their lifetime. Orcas around 30-40 years old go through menopause just like humans do.
In fact, there are only three types of organisms that have a mechanism called menopause: orcas, humans, and pilot whales. They also live for decades after they can no longer give birth, which is similar to humans
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Orca Type of List
In modern zoology there are no types of orcas, they are divided by type.
In the future, the day may come when it will be divided by a name such as "XX orca".
- Type one:sedentary type
- Type two:migratory type
- Type three:offshore type
Amazon River Dolphin
In the murky waters of the Amazon River, gracefully swims the Amazon river dolphin, a pink dolphin. Also known as the 'Amazon pink dolphin,' or 'boto' in the local language, they hold a mystical significance for the people of the Amazon. Let's delve into the fascinating ecology of the Amazon river dolphin and the threats they face.
Atlantic Humpback Dolphin
Along the Atlantic coast of Africa, a unique dolphin with a small hump on its back makes its home. This is the Atlantic humpback dolphin. They prefer shallow coastal waters such as estuaries and lagoons, and their diet consists of small fish and crustaceans. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining, and they are critically endangered. Let's explore the ecology of the Atlantic humpback dolphin and the efforts to protect them.
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
In the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean swims a dolphin adorned with a unique spotted pattern: the Atlantic spotted dolphin. These dolphins, known for their playful nature and social interactions, are a fascinating sight to behold. Let's explore the world of the Atlantic spotted dolphin and delve into their intriguing ecology.
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Atlantic White-sided Dolphin
The Atlantic white-sided dolphin, a sleek and energetic creature with a striking black and white pattern, cuts through the waves of the North Atlantic. These social dolphins, known for forming large pods of hundreds, are a true spectacle to behold. Let's dive into the world of the Atlantic white-sided dolphin, their fascinating behavior, and the challenges they face in today's oceans.
Australian Snubfin Dolphin
In the warm waters off the coast of Australia, lives a dolphin with a round head and an adorable smile. This is the Australian snubfin dolphin. They are active hunters that frequent shallow coastal waters. Let's take a closer look at the ecology of the Australian snubfin dolphin and the challenges they face.
Beluga
Belugas are cute with their pure white bodies and chubby shapes! There are only a few places in Japan where you can see belugas, but you can’t help wanting to take pictures of their adorable gestures, right? But there must be some people who don’t know much about their ecology… Whether you have seen belugas before or not, why don’t you join me in discovering their secrets?
Burmeister's Porpoise
In the cold waters off the coast of South America, the Burmeister's porpoise lives a secluded life. They are known for rarely surfacing and are considered one of the most enigmatic dolphins. Let's dive into the ecology of the Burmeister's porpoise and the threats they face.
Chilean Dolphin
Off the coast of Chile, lives a small and adorable dolphin: the Chilean dolphin. They have unique characteristics and a poignant history that sets them apart from other dolphins. Let's explore the ecology of the Chilean dolphin and the efforts to protect them.
Clymene Dolphin
In the warm waters of the Atlantic, there's a dolphin known for its dazzling spinning leaps: the Clymene dolphin. They have a unique characteristic and a somewhat mysterious ecology, setting them apart from other dolphins. Let's explore the charm of these fascinating creatures!
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Commerson's Dolphin
In the waters of South America, there's a dolphin with a striking black and white pattern that resembles a panda. This is the Commerson's dolphin. They are very small and surprisingly active dolphins. Let's explore the ecology of the Commerson's dolphin, their habitat, and their relationship with humans.
Common Bottlenose Dolphin
The common bottlenose dolphin, a familiar sight in aquariums, captivates us with its high intelligence and charming demeanor. What kind of life do these dolphins lead in the vast expanse of the world's oceans? Let's dive into the world of the common bottlenose dolphin, exploring their ecology, their environment, and their relationship with humans.
Dall's Porpoise
In the cold waters of the North Pacific, the Dall's porpoise zips through the waves with incredible speed. Named for their habit of leaping from the water, resembling skipping stones, these black and white dolphins are a sight to behold. Let's explore the ecology of Dall's porpoise and the challenges they face.
Dolphin
It is a very popular dolphin that is one of the highlights of the aquarium show! The sight of them swimming around in the water is beautiful, and the sight of them playing ball is cute. Dolphins have a gentle personality, but did you know that they actually have great power? Let's take a peek at the world of dolphins you didn't know!
Dusky Dolphin
The dusky dolphin, with its striking black and white coloration, dances through the waves of the Southern Hemisphere's cold waters. Known for their acrobatic jumps and playful nature, they often travel in large pods, adding a touch of joy to the vast ocean. Let's explore the fascinating world of the dusky dolphin, their unique traits, and the challenges they face in today's oceans.
False Killer Whale
The false killer whale, cruising the vast ocean with its sleek, black body. Sometimes forming massive pods of hundreds, they resemble a dark current in the sea. Let's delve into the enigmatic ecology of the false killer whale and the threats they face.
Finless Porpoise
Did you know that there are dolphins living in the waters around Japan? The finless porpoise is a small dolphin that lives in the shallow waters of East Asia. They are known for their lack of a dorsal fin and their rounded body, giving them a very endearing appearance. Let's explore the ecology of the finless porpoise and the threats they face.
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Fraser's Dolphin
In the tropical and subtropical seas, lives the Fraser's dolphin, a creature of mystery and grace. Distinguished by their short beaks and streamlined bodies, they stand out from other dolphins. Let's explore the ecology of Fraser's dolphins and the threats they face.
Ganges River Dolphin
In the murky waters of India's sacred Ganges River, swims a unique dolphin with a long beak and small eyes. The Ganges river dolphin, also known as the susu, is facing a perilous fight for survival. Let's dive into the world of the Ganges river dolphin, exploring their remarkable adaptations and the threats that jeopardize their existence.
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Harbor Porpoise
In the cold waters of the Northern Hemisphere, the harbor porpoise lives a quiet life. These small dolphins, with their rounded faces and unassuming nature, are a common sight in coastal waters. Let's explore the ecology of the harbor porpoise and the challenges they face in today's oceans.
Heaviside's Dolphin
Off the coast of South Africa, in the cold waters, lives a small dolphin with markings reminiscent of the orca. This is the Heaviside's dolphin. They are incredibly active and delight us with their acrobatic movements. Let's explore the ecology of Heaviside's dolphin, the environment they inhabit, and their relationship with humans.
Hector's Dolphin
Off the coast of New Zealand, a unique dolphin with a rounded dorsal fin makes its home in the cold waters. This is Hector's dolphin, one of the smallest dolphin species in the world, facing the threat of extinction. Let's explore the ecology of Hector's dolphin and the efforts to protect them.
Hourglass Dolphin
In the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean, there lives a unique dolphin with a distinctive hourglass-shaped pattern. This is the hourglass dolphin. They are very small and often seen swimming playfully with other whales. Let's explore the ecology of the hourglass dolphin and the icy world they inhabit.
Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin
Along the coasts of the Indian Ocean, lives a unique dolphin with a small hump on its back. It is called the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin. They prefer shallow coastal waters and are highly vulnerable to the impacts of fishing and marine pollution. Their conservation status is Vulnerable, and their population is declining.
Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin
In the warm waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, swims the adorable Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin. While they are related to the common bottlenose dolphin, they have distinct black spots on their bellies. Let's explore the ecology of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, the threats they face, and what we can do to help!
Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin
In the waters of Asia, swims a beautiful dolphin with a pale pink hue: the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. These dolphins, known for living in shallow coastal waters and their active hunting of fish, are facing a decline in numbers, pushing them towards the brink of extinction. Let's explore the ecology of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and the efforts to protect them.
Indus River Dolphin
In the murky waters of the Indus River in Pakistan, lives a blind dolphin: the Indus river dolphin. These dolphins, also known as 'bhulan' in the local language, are fighting for survival despite the threats they face. Let's delve into the unique ecology of the Indus river dolphin and the efforts to protect them.
Irrawaddy Dolphin
In the rivers and seas of Southeast Asia, there lives a unique dolphin with a round head and no dorsal fin. Its name is the Irrawaddy dolphin. Known for their cooperative fishing with humans, these dolphins are truly remarkable. Let's delve into the fascinating ecology of the Irrawaddy dolphin and the threats they face.
La Plata Dolphin
In the Río de la Plata estuary of South America, a unique dolphin with a pale pink hue makes its home. This is the La Plata dolphin, a rare species that has evolved to thrive in the boundary between river and sea. Let's explore the fascinating ecology of the La Plata dolphin and the challenges they face.
Long-beaked Common Dolphin
The long-beaked common dolphin, a playful and agile creature easily recognized by its elongated beak. These dolphins are known for their speed, their ability to ride the waves created by boats, and their tendency to form large pods, making them a favorite sight for marine enthusiasts. Let's delve into the fascinating ecology of the long-beaked common dolphin and the environmental challenges they face.
Long-finned Pilot Whale
The long-finned pilot whale, inhabiting the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere, is a fascinating dolphin species known for its distinctive long pectoral fins and rounded head. Highly social, these whales often form large pods. Reaching lengths of up to 22 feet (6.7 meters), they thrive in cold waters, with squid and small fish as their primary food source. Let's explore the world of the long-finned pilot whale, their complex social structures, and the challenges they face in today's oceans.
Melon-headed Whale
In the tropical and subtropical seas, the melon-headed whale, with its distinctive round head, travels the depths of the ocean. These enigmatic dolphins, often forming large pods of over a hundred individuals, are a sight to behold. Let's explore the ecology of the melon-headed whale and the challenges they face.
Narwhal
Do you know an animal called a "narwhal" that has very long and mysterious horns? Didn't the narwhal become the model for the legendary creature called the "unicorn" from its magnificent horns? It seems to be thought. However, narwhals are very difficult animals to breed, so you have to go to the Arctic Ocean, where they live, to see the real thing. Let's take a peek into their lives together to find out what characteristics and secrets narwhals have in this article!
Northern Right Whale Dolphin
In the cold waters of the North Pacific, lives an unusual dolphin without a dorsal fin. This is the northern right whale dolphin. With their streamlined bodies, they are known for their speed and their playful habit of riding alongside boats. Let's explore the unique ecology of the northern right whale dolphin and their environment.
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Pacific White-sided Dolphin
The Pacific white-sided dolphin, a sleek and energetic creature with a striking black and white pattern, inhabits the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean. Known for their speed, acrobatic jumps, and playful nature, they are often seen riding the waves alongside boats. Let's dive into the exciting world of the Pacific white-sided dolphin and discover more about their ecology and the environment they call home.
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin
In the tropical seas, the pantropical spotted dolphin swims gracefully, adorned with beautiful spots. They form large pods, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, traveling the vast ocean like ballerinas of the sea. Let's explore the graceful and powerful ecology of the pantropical spotted dolphin.
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Peale's Dolphin
Off the southern tip of South America, around the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, lives Peale's dolphin. These dolphins, with their striking black and white contrast, are agile hunters who frequent the kelp forests. Let's explore the ecology of Peale's dolphin and the unique environment they inhabit.
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Pygmy Killer Whale
Lurking in the depths of the ocean, shrouded in mystery, is the pygmy killer whale. True to its name, this whale resembles a miniature version of the orca, but it is a far rarer sight. Let's delve into the ecology of the pygmy killer whale and the challenges they face.
Risso's Dolphin
The Risso's dolphin, a powerful and enigmatic inhabitant of the warm oceans around the world. Known for their deep dives and preference for squid, these dolphins often sport a unique tapestry of scars. Let's explore the fascinating world of Risso's dolphins and learn about their ecology and the environments they inhabit.
Short-beaked Common Dolphin
The short-beaked common dolphin, a spirited creature that cruises through oceans worldwide. Known for their energetic nature and curiosity, these dolphins are a delight to watch. Let's explore the amazing ecology of the short-beaked common dolphin and the challenges they face.
Short-finned Pilot Whale
The short-finned pilot whale, a species of oceanic dolphin, roams the deep waters of tropical and temperate seas around the world. Known for their short pectoral fins and bulbous heads, these highly social creatures often form massive pods. Reaching lengths of up to 23 feet (7 meters), they are deep-diving predators that primarily feed on squid and fish. Let's explore the fascinating world of the short-finned pilot whale, their complex social interactions, and the challenges they face in today's oceans.
Southern Right Whale Dolphin
In the cold waters of the Southern Hemisphere, lives an unusual dolphin without a dorsal fin. This is the southern right whale dolphin. They are stylish dolphins with a striking black and white two-tone coloration. Let's explore the unique ecology of the southern right whale dolphin and their environment.
Spectacled Porpoise
In the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, lives a rare and elusive porpoise with unique markings that resemble spectacles. This is the spectacled porpoise. Known for their dark backs and white bellies, they are a sight to behold, but sightings are few and far between. Let's explore the limited information we have about the spectacled porpoise and the importance of their conservation.
Spinner Dolphin
The spinner dolphin, a star of dolphin shows, is known for its graceful jumps and signature spins. Let's explore the acrobatic ecology of the spinner dolphin and the blue ocean paradise they call home!
Striped Dolphin
The striped dolphin, a common sight in tropical and temperate waters, is known for its distinctive blue and white stripes. Often seen in large pods, these dolphins are a delight to watch, with their acrobatic jumps and swift swimming abilities. Let's explore the active world of the striped dolphin and the environmental challenges they face.
Tucuxi
In the murky waters of the Amazon River, the tucuxi, a small dolphin, swims with agility. They are special creatures for the people who live in the Amazon. Let's explore the ecology of the tucuxi, their environment, and their relationship with humans.
Vaquita
In the Gulf of California, Mexico, lives one of the world's rarest dolphins, the vaquita. These adorable dolphins, with their small bodies and large dorsal fins, are critically endangered. Let's explore the ecology of the vaquita and the efforts being made to save them.
White-beaked Dolphin
The white-beaked dolphin, a powerful swimmer that navigates the rough waves of the North Atlantic. These dolphins, with their distinctive white beaks and stocky build, often form large pods, numbering in the hundreds, as they journey across the vast ocean. Let's delve into the ecology of the white-beaked dolphin, exploring their world and the challenges they encounter.
Yangtze River Dolphin
Once known as the 'Goddess of the Yangtze,' the Yangtze River dolphin, or baiji, was a beloved creature in China. With their pale, pinkish-white bodies, they gracefully navigated the murky waters of the Yangtze River. However, they disappeared in the late 20th century. Let's trace the story of the Yangtze River dolphin and reflect on the message they have left us.
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Orca References
- Wikipedia https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/シャチ
- NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC https://natgeo.nikkeibp.co.jp/atcl/news/17/071000260/
- Cute Shachi http://tajijujejorenshu2.sitemix.jp/brog7.html
- クジラや深海魚の生態情報をまとめるサイト http://shinkai-fish.com/category10/entry80.html
- 法学部性が語る生き物の世界 http://blog.livedoor.jp/yasu1013orca/archives/1024978294.html
- 古世界の住人 https://ameblo.jp/oldworld/entry-10012657011.html
Orca Introduction of media used
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-1263066/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-590038/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-1428530/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-243920/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-1246713/
出典：https://www.pexels.com/ja-jp/photo/34809/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-258745/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-2434070/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-732242/
出典：https://unsplash.com/photos/iyVSCp0ZUj0
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-2358366/
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