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the killer whale got its name because it is really an Orcinus which is a member of the dolphin family. But since the Orcinus would kill whales to eat, the spanish called it 'whale killer' otherwise known as the killer whale
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoBecause of their awesome power and fearsome reputation for hunting and killing food. However, there is the notion that early Spanish sailors called them "Whale killers," because they often have been observed killing and eating much larger fish, such as other whales. So, I think it was a translation glitch and the Americanized version became "Killer Whale."
Wiki User
∙ 8y agothe killer whale is basically a type of dolphin and can be known as the orca whale. A killer whale is a very fierce hunter and eats lots of sea creatures. they are friendly towards humans
Anonymous
it used to eat whales
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How do they get the name killer whale?
The killer whale is surprisingly not a whale that Is what is often misleading about them. The killer whale is actually a species of dolphin in the oceanic dolphin family delphinidae the reason it got its name is because people saw the dolphin hunting and killing whales at first the killer whale was called the killer of whales but then it eventually got shortened to killer whale
What is the name of an orca female?
The name of a female orca or killer whale is a cow. The name of a male killer whale is a bull and the name of a baby killer whale is a calf!
What is a name for a orca whale?
Killer whale.
Is a killer whale an orca?
Yes they are the same killer whale is another name for Orca's. :)
Why do people call killer whales when they are really dolphins?
because the name whale in in his name hence killer whale
What is the name of a male orca whale?
shamu the killer whale
What is the killer whales standard name?
A killer whale's scientific name is and Orca
What whale name starts with an O?
Orca (aka killer whale)
What is the name of an arctic whale with long ivory tusk?
a killer whale
Is orca another name for killer whales?
Orcinus Orca Killer Whale blackfish
What is a pregnant fish killer called?
Killer whale Killer whale Killer whale
What is another name of the killer whale?
orca The killer whale is not a whale, but is the largest member of the dolphin family. Also further names used in regards for Orcinus Orca, the Killer Whale: Grampus (Archaic: Currently used as the name for Risso's Dolphin) Blackfish (Okay, it's not a fish, but that is what it was called by ancient sailors!) killer whales are sometimes called ballena asesina ("assassin whale") by the Spanish
