How fast is a killer whale?

A blue whale, the largest mammal in the world, is able to reach a top speed of 30 mph when frightened. Its typical swim speed is around 12 mph. Pilot whales achieve 20 mph when chasing prey such as large squid. Unlike most whales, pilots can maintain the chase for 15 minutes at farther than 3,000 feet below the ocean's surface. read more

At full maturity the male killer whale will usually grow to an average length of 20 – 26 ft. long and weigh an average of 8,000 lbs. – 12,000 lbs. while an adult female killer whale will grow to an average length of 16 – 23 ft. long and weigh between 3,000 lbs. – 6,000 lbs. read more

Some killer whale populations feed mostly on fish while others hunt sharks, marine mammals, including sea lions, seals, walruses and even large whales and Great white sharks. The killer whale’s large size and strength make it among the fastest marine mammals, often reaching speeds in excess of 35 kn (65 km/h). read more