Does a killer whale have a dorsal fin?

Male Orcas have the largest dorsal fin of any marine mammal. It can get up to 6 feet tall. On females it's a bit shorter and more curved. The dorsal fin acts like a keel, and each dorsal fin is unique for each Orca.

1. What does a dorsal fin on a killer whale do?
2. Do whales have dorsal fins?
3. Do orcas have a top fin?
4. Why do killer whales have collapsed dorsal fins?
5. Is it illegal to capture orcas?

What does a dorsal fin on a killer whale do?

"(The dorsal fin) helps them slip through the water more efficiently. ... Orca Live agrees that the fins help regulate a killer whale's body temperature: "Excess heat, generated as they swim along, is released into the surrounding water and air via the dorsal fin — much like a radiator!"

Do whales have dorsal fins?

Whales generally have four fins: two pectoral fins (instead of arms), a caudal fin (also called the tail) and a dorsal fin. ... The humpback whale stands out for its long pectoral fins that can reach one third of its body length. It is believed to be the largest appendage in the animal kingdom.

Do orcas have a top fin?

Most captive male killer whales, and some females, have a dorsal fin that is partially or completely collapsed to one side.

Why do killer whales have collapsed dorsal fins?

Collapsed Dorsal Fins

All captive adult male orcas have collapsed dorsal fins, likely because they have no space in which to swim freely, spend long periods of time floating listlessly at the surface of the water, and are fed an unnatural diet of thawed dead fish.

Is it illegal to capture orcas?

There are currently no laws prohibiting the housing of orca whales in captivity; rather laws that specifically allow for the capture of wild orcas for purposes of entertainment and scientific research. ... The MMPA requires a permit for the taking of a marine mammal, like an orca, from the wild.