rareNT · Near Threatenedblackvery-largeopen-water
- Group
- Marine mammal
- Habitat
- Open water
- Max size
- 6.0 m
- Family
- Delphinidae
The false killer whale is a species of oceanic dolphin that is the only extant representative of the genus Pseudorca. It is found in oceans worldwide but mainly in tropical regions. It was first described in 1846 as a species of porpoise based on a skull, which was revised when the first carcasses were observed in 1861. The name "false killer whale" comes from having a skull similar to the orca or killer whale.
Adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Behaviour
All black, long and slender, with a small rounded head. Ranges over deep water and targets large fish such as mahi-mahi, wahoo and tuna.