False Killer Whale and Similar Species
Pseudorca crassidens
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with False Killer Whale. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Orca (Killer Whale)
Orcinus orca
Key differences: Orcas are much larger, have distinct black and white coloration, a very tall, triangular dorsal fin, and blunt, paddle-shaped pectoral fins. False Killer Whales are entirely dark and have S-shaped pectoral fins.
Pilot Whales (Long-finned and Short-finned)
Globicephala melas / Globicephala macrorhynchus
Key differences: Pilot whales have a much more bulbous, rounded head, a more robust body, and a distinct grey saddle patch behind the dorsal fin. Their dorsal fin is also more rounded and set further forward. False Killer Whales have a conical head and no saddle patch.
Melon-headed Whale
Peponocephala electra
Key differences: Melon-headed whales are smaller, have a more triangular head, and a more pointed dorsal fin. They also have a distinct white or light grey patch around the mouth and sometimes on the belly. False Killer Whales are larger and uniformly dark.
Pygmy Killer Whale
Feresa attenuata
Key differences: Pygmy killer whales are smaller, have a more rounded head, and a more pointed dorsal fin. They often have a white lip and chin patch, which False Killer Whales lack. Their pectoral fins are also less distinctly S-shaped.
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