How much does a killer whale weigh?
Quick Answer
Adult killer whales (orcas) typically weigh between 8,000-12,000 pounds (3,600-5,400 kg), with males being significantly larger than females. The largest recorded male orca weighed approximately 22,000 pounds (10,000 kg).
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🔍 3,600/moHow Much Does A Killer Whale Weigh?
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Marine mammal |
| Family | Cetacea |
| Habitat | Oceans worldwide |
| Conservation | Protected in most countries |
| Research Status | Ongoing scientific study |
The Short Answer
Adult killer whales (orcas) weigh between 8,000-12,000 pounds (3,600-5,400 kg) for males and 3,000-8,000 pounds (1,400-3,600 kg) for females. The largest orca ever recorded was a male weighing approximately 22,000 pounds (10,000 kg). Despite their name, orcas are actually the largest members of the dolphin family, not true whales.
Killer Whale Weight by Sex and Age
Orca weights vary dramatically based on sex, age, and population:
| Category | Weight Range | Average Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Male | 8,000-12,000 lbs (3,600-5,400 kg) | 10,000 lbs (4,500 kg) | 20-26 ft (6-8 m) |
| Adult Female | 3,000-8,000 lbs (1,400-3,600 kg) | 5,500 lbs (2,500 kg) | 16-23 ft (5-7 m) |
| Large Male | 12,000-22,000 lbs (5,400-10,000 kg) | 15,000 lbs (6,800 kg) | 26-32 ft (8-10 m) |
| Juvenile (3-5 yrs) | 1,500-3,000 lbs (680-1,360 kg) | 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) | 12-16 ft (3.7-5 m) |
| Newborn Calf | 300-400 lbs (136-181 kg) | 350 lbs (159 kg) | 7-8 ft (2.1-2.4 m) |
Weight Comparison by Ecotype
Scientists recognize at least 10 distinct ecotypes of killer whales worldwide, each with different size characteristics:
| Ecotype | Location | Male Weight | Female Weight | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident (Northern) | Pacific Northwest | 8,000-11,000 lbs | 4,000-6,000 lbs | Salmon |
| Resident (Southern) | Pacific Northwest | 7,000-10,000 lbs | 3,500-5,500 lbs | Salmon |
| Transient (Bigg’s) | Pacific Northwest | 9,000-13,000 lbs | 4,500-7,000 lbs | Marine mammals |
| Offshore | Open Pacific | 6,000-9,000 lbs | 3,000-5,000 lbs | Sharks, fish |
| Type A Antarctic | Antarctic | 10,000-15,000 lbs | 5,000-8,000 lbs | Minke whales |
| Type B Antarctic | Antarctic | 8,000-12,000 lbs | 4,000-6,500 lbs | Seals |
Transient (Bigg’s) orcas tend to be the largest, likely because their diet of marine mammals is more calorie-rich than the fish-based diet of resident orcas.
Orca Weight vs Other Marine Animals
To understand orca size, here’s how they compare to other marine animals:
| Animal | Average Weight | Comparison to Orca |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Whale | 300,000 lbs (136,000 kg) | 30x heavier than orca |
| Humpback Whale | 80,000 lbs (36,000 kg) | 8x heavier than orca |
| Great White Shark | 4,500 lbs (2,000 kg) | Orca 2x heavier |
| Bottlenose Dolphin | 500 lbs (227 kg) | Orca 20x heavier |
| Harbor Seal | 250 lbs (113 kg) | Orca 40x heavier |
| Sea Otter | 65 lbs (29 kg) | Orca 150x heavier |
Growth and Weight Gain Timeline
Orcas experience significant growth throughout their lives:
| Age | Male Weight | Female Weight | Daily Food Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | 350 lbs (159 kg) | 300 lbs (136 kg) | Mother’s milk only |
| 6 months | 600 lbs (272 kg) | 500 lbs (227 kg) | Beginning solid food |
| 1 year | 900 lbs (408 kg) | 750 lbs (340 kg) | 30-50 lbs/day |
| 5 years | 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg) | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) | 100-150 lbs/day |
| 10 years | 6,000 lbs (2,720 kg) | 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) | 150-200 lbs/day |
| 20+ years | 10,000+ lbs (4,500+ kg) | 5,500 lbs (2,500 kg) | 200-400 lbs/day |
Adult males continue growing until approximately age 21, while females reach full size around age 15.
What Contributes to Orca Weight
Several factors influence how much an individual orca weighs:
Body Composition
| Component | Percentage | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Blubber | 20-25% of body weight | Insulation, energy storage |
| Muscle | 40-45% of body weight | Swimming, hunting |
| Organs | 10-15% of body weight | Vital functions |
| Skeleton | 15-20% of body weight | Structure, support |
The thick layer of blubber is crucial for survival in cold waters and can account for 2,000-3,000 pounds in an adult male.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a baby killer whale weigh at birth?
Newborn orca calves weigh between 300-400 pounds (136-181 kg) and measure 7-8 feet in length. They gain weight rapidly while nursing, consuming up to 40 pounds of their mother’s fat-rich milk daily for the first year.
What is the heaviest killer whale ever recorded?
The heaviest killer whale ever documented weighed approximately 22,000 pounds (10,000 kg). This was an exceptionally large male. Most adult males reach maximum weights of 12,000-15,000 pounds.
How much food does an orca need to maintain its weight?
Adult orcas need to consume 200-400 pounds (90-180 kg) of food daily to maintain their weight. This equals about 3-5% of their body weight per day. During active hunting periods, they may eat even more.
Do captive orcas weigh more than wild orcas?
Captive orcas often weigh more than their wild counterparts due to reduced activity and controlled feeding schedules. Some captive males have reached weights exceeding 14,000 pounds, though they may also experience health issues related to their weight.
Why are male orcas so much larger than females?
Male orcas are significantly larger due to sexual dimorphism, which evolved through competition for mates. Larger males can establish dominance and have greater reproductive success. Males also have a dramatically larger dorsal fin (up to 6 feet tall) compared to females (3 feet).
Weight-Related Hunting Capabilities
An orca’s substantial weight contributes to its status as an apex predator:
| Hunting Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Ram Force | 12,000-lb body can stun large prey |
| Wave Creation | Weight displaces water to wash seals off ice |
| Prey Immobilization | Body weight pins prey during attacks |
| Deep Diving | Mass helps descend to 1,000+ feet |
| Sustained Speed | Muscle mass enables 35 mph bursts |
Conservation and Health Monitoring
Scientists track orca weights as an indicator of population health:
- Southern Resident orcas: Showing concerning weight loss due to declining salmon populations
- Transient orcas: Maintaining healthy weights with stable prey availability
- Aerial photogrammetry: Researchers use drone photos to estimate body condition and weight
Understanding what orcas eat is crucial for conservation efforts, as diet directly impacts their weight and overall health.
Learn more about why orcas are called killer whales and whether killer whales attack humans.
Related Questions
Sources & References
Last verified: 2026-02-03
People Also Ask
Where Do Killer Whales Live??
Killer whales live in every ocean on Earth, from polar regions to tropical waters. They have the widest distribution of any cetacean. Major populations exist in the Pacific Northwest (Puget Sound), Norway, Iceland, Antarctica, and New Zealand. About 50,000 orcas exist worldwide.
What Do Orca Whales Eat??
They primarily eat fish, seals, sea lions, other whales.
Why Are Orcas Called Killer Whales??
Orcas are called 'killer whales' due to a mistranslation of the original Spanish name 'asesina de ballenas' meaning 'whale killer' - describing their predation on other whales. When translated to English, the words were reversed to 'killer whale.' Despite the fearsome name, orcas are actually the largest members of the dolphin family, not true whales.
Will killer whales attack humans??
Regarding "will killer whales attack humans": Killer whales (orcas) are apex predators but have no confirmed fatal attacks on humans in the wild, though they are powerful hunters capable of taking large prey.
Test Your Knowledge: Orca
They can reach 6-8m (20-26 ft) / 3-6 tons