False killer whale

species of mammal

The false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) is a cetaceans and larger members of the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae). The species is the only member of the Pseudorca genus.

False killer whale
Size comparison against an average human
Scientific classification
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Pseudorca

Reinhardt, 1862
Binomial name
Pseudorca crassidens
(Owen, 1846)
False killer whale range

They live in temperate and tropical waters throughout the world. As its name implies, the false killer whale shares characteristics with the more widely known Orca ("killer whale"). The two species look somewhat similar and, like the orca, the false killer whale attacks and kills other cetaceans. However, the two dolphin species are not closely related.

The false killer whale has not been extensively studied in the wild by scientists; much of the data about the dolphin has been obtained by examining stranded animals.