Did you know that there are three distinct types of killer whale (orcas) can be found in the Antarctic, each with a different habitat and diet preference.
One type of orca preys almost exclusively on the Antarctic minke whale, another on seals, and the last eats fish. Interestingly enough, none have yet been described as separate species.
Ross Sea killer whales have a dark grey dorsal cape and lighter grey body, which gives them a distinctly two-tone grey and white appearance when viewed in good light. This is the main killer what we saw on our 2023 Antarctic Expedition.
In contrast, the Subantarctic killer whale is black and white form with no visible cape; eye patch extremely small and oriented parallel to the body axis. Bulbous head. Narrow, backswept dorsal fin – this colouration and size is more what we are use to seeing.
Gerlache killer whale and ice pack killer whales are very similar – two-toned grey form with a darker dorsal cape; eye patch – the main difference is the Gerlache killer whale is smaller and slimmer than pack ice killer whale.