Every diver knows, there is always something new to discover underwater. Phuket is famous for beautiful coral reefs, a fantastic underwater world and many amazing sea creatures. However, from time to time there is something unexpected passing by, for instance a pod of orcas (German: Grosser Schwertwal) – the largest species of the dolphin family!

About 2 weeks ago we have seen Orcas with Stingray on our way to the Similan Islands, then again last weekend they have been seen between Racha Yai and Racha Noi.

Orcas in the Similan Islands - November 2008

Orcas are found in all oceans and most seas, however they prefer cooler temperate and polar regions. Although sometimes spotted in deep water, coastal areas are generally preferred to pelagic environments.

Orcas often stay close to the surface

Orcas typically range from 5-8 m long and weighing about 3 to 6 tonnes.
Calves at birth weigh about 180 kg and are about 2.4 m long.
The Orca’s large size and strength make it among the fastest marine mammals, often reaching speeds in excess of 56 km/h!
Females become mature at around 15 years of age. Mothers calve, with a single offspring, about once every five years. Newborn mortality is very high—one survey suggested that nearly half of all calves fail to reach one year old. Calves nurse for up to two years but will start to take solid food at about twelve months. All resident Orca pod members, including males of all ages, participate in the care of the young. Cows breed until the age of 40, meaning that on average they raise only five offspring.

The Orca is an apex predator (the end of the food chain). They are sometimes called the wolves of the sea, because they hunt in packs like wolves. On average, an Orca eats 227 kg of food each day!

Like other dolphins, Orcas are highly vocal. They produce a variety of clicks and whistles used for communication and echolocation.

Click here and then press
to listen to the calls of a killer whale – it’s amazing

Detailed information about Orcas by courtesy of Wikipedia.