Difference Between Orca and Dolphin

What is Orca?

Dolphins are in fact a subspecies of Orcas, sometimes known as killer whales and both belong to family Delphinidae. Nonetheless, orcas and other Dolphin species differ in a few ways:

Characteristics	Orca	Dolphin
Scientific names	Orcinus orca is the scientific name for Orcas.	Dolphins are members, of the Delphinidae family, of which there are several species Delphinus delphis.
Size	Adult orcas may grow to a maximum length of 20 to 26 feet (6 to 8 metres).	The size of dolphins, varies among species. They may be found in elevations between 4 and 30 feet (1.2 and 9 metres).
Color	The characteristic black and white colouring of orcas is well-known. They have spots of white around their eyes and a black back and white underbelly.	Dolphins exhibit a range of encompassing tones of grey, blue, and yellow.
Dorsal fin	The dorsal fin of orcas is tall, noticeable, and triangular in shape. An Orca’s dorsal fin may grow as high as six feet (1.8 metres).	Different kinds of Dolphins, have different-sized and shaped dorsal fins. In contrast to the lofty dorsal fin of orcas, some have smaller, more bent dorsal fins.
Behaviour	Orcas are highly social animals that live in matrilineal family groups called pods.	Dolphins form social groupings known as pods and are also friendly animals.
Habitat	From tropical oceans to frigid areas, Orcas may be found in a variety of marine habitats.	Seas, beaches, and oceans are just a few of the varied maritime habitats that Dolphins consider habitat. From shallow, warm seas to deeper, colder locations, various species may favour different kinds of environments.
Diet	A varied diet consisting of fish, seals, sea lions, and even other whales, Orcas are apex predators.	Dolphins eat a variety of foods, although fish and squid are the main ones.
Swim Speed	56 kmph	60 kmph

Difference Between Orca and Dolphin

Orcas and dolphins are the type of dolphins, which belong to the family Delphinidae. Not every dolphin, is an orca, but all orcas are dolphins. “Orca” refers exclusively to the biggest species in the Delphinidae family, although “Dolphin” is more commonly used to describe the lesser members of the family. Although they belong to the dolphin family, orcas differ from other dolphin species, in a few significant manners. The distinctive characteristics of orcas within the dolphin family include variances in size, color, dorsal fin form, behavior, and preferred habitat.

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