Killer Whale (Orcinus Orca)

Háhyrningur, Schwertwal, Orque,épaulard, Espadarte, Spækhugger, Spekkhogger

Killer whales or Orcas are the largest of the dolphins and the male dorsal fin can get up to 1.8m high and very triangular whereas the females dorsals are curved. Each group is thought to have their own dialect and males stay with their mothers throughout their lives. They hunt like wolves, perfectly choreographed, some families feeding on marine mammals and some families only eating fish. Keiko (Free Willy) actually came from Iceland and so his family could be seen on our tours.

Rarely seen in Eyjafjörður/Akureyri, mainly in winter / spring. Last sighting January 2022.

Length: 6-10 meters

Weight: 5-9 tons

Life expectancy: 30 years for males, 50 years for females

Est. population around Iceland: 5000

Social behaviour: Very social, usual group size is between 3-50

Diet: Fish, squid, (marine mammals for some families)

Suborder: Odontoceti – Toothed Whale

Family: Delphinidae

IUCN Listing: Data deficient

Major threats: Climate change, chemical and noise pollution, human disturbance, ship strikes, capture for captivity

Other Names: Háhyrningur, Schwertwal, Orque,épaulard, Espadarte, Spækhugger, Spekkhogger