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What is the Top Predator in the Ocean?

What is the Top Predator in the Ocean?

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on March 22, 2017

What is the top predator in the ocean? While many people believe it to be the shark, the top predator in the ocean actually preys on sharks. The orca, or killer whale is at the top of the marine food chain. In spite of the fact that they are called “killer whales,” orcas are actually dolphins.

top predator in the ocean

Orcas have 4-inch long teeth that they use to feast on other ocean animals, which can include seals, sea lions, sharks, seabirds, fish, and even whales. Highly intelligent, orcas hunt in groups (or pods) with anywhere from 5 to 40 members. Orcas communicate and cooperate with each other within these pods using several different hunting techniques, similar to wolf packs.

One effective technique orcas employ is surrounding a school of fish with rings of bubbles. As the fish jump over the bubbles, orcas are waiting. When hunting for seals, sea lions, or penguins, orcas have been known to actually swim onto the shore. This causes the prey to panic and dive into the ocean, and ultimately, the jaws of the waiting orcas. If they spot a meal on an ice float, orcas can create a wave strong enough to wash it into the water, much like the orcas at many aquarium shows splash their delighted audience.

While orcas may be the top predator in the ocean, they still face an uncertain future. Orcas must compete with man for their food source, and overfishing of the oceans has caused problems. Contamination of the oceans with oil spills and other pollutants is another issue the orcas have had to survive. Finally, orcas rely on communication and echo to locate and capture their prey. Increase noise and traffic in the oceans have made it harder for orcas.

top predator in the ocean

In spite of the fact that scientists have been studying orcas since the 1970s, we still know very little about them. For example, scientists aren’t even sure what the worldwide population of orcas is, and whether they are considered endangered or a thriving population. Hopefully with continued research we will learn more about these beautiful and deadly predators.

Images via Kenai Fjords National Parkcatmando1962

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro