Killer whales (Orcinus orca), also known as orcas, are found in all oceans of the world. They are most commonly found in cold waters, but can also be found in tropical and subtropical waters. Killer whales are apex predators, meaning that they are at the top of the food chain and have no natural predators. They hunt a variety of prey, including fish, seals, sea lions, and even other whales.
Here is a general overview of where killer whales live:
- North Pacific Ocean: Killer whales are found throughout the North Pacific Ocean, from the Arctic Ocean to the tropics. They are particularly common in the waters around Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and Japan.
- North Atlantic Ocean: Killer whales are also found throughout the North Atlantic Ocean, from the Arctic Ocean to the tropics. They are particularly common in the waters around Norway, Iceland, and Canada.
- Southern Ocean: Killer whales are found throughout the Southern Ocean, which surrounds Antarctica. They are particularly common in the waters around Antarctica, South Africa, and Australia.
- Indian Ocean: Killer whales are also found in the Indian Ocean, from the tropics to the subantarctic waters. They are particularly common in the waters around India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
It is important to note that killer whales are highly mobile and can travel long distances. As a result, their distribution can vary depending on the season and the availability of prey.