Sharks and Killer whales are the top hunters in the oceanic world. Both these species play a distinct role in keeping the ecosystem in equilibrium by feeding on weak and sick fish. Interestingly, both these enormous creatures are the biggest rivals because Killer whales are the predators of sharks. Despite sharing a common habitat, the two species differ greatly. In this article, we are comparing two giant creatures that are incredibly different from each other. Let’s explore more about Killer whales Vs Sharks.
Killer Whale Vs Sharks
Killer whales and sharks have many similarities but they do differ as well. Some of their distinct features are listed below:
| Parameters | Killer Whales | Sharks |
| Classification | Belongs to a group of Dolphins family | Belongs to a group of Cartilaginous fishes |
| Habitat | Widely distributed in the Artic and Tropical regions | Distributed in all the aquatic and marine waters of the world |
| Body Shape | Roughly cylindrical but pointed from both ends | Fusiform body with pointed ends |
| Coloration | Mostly blackish from the upper side and whitish underneath | Mostly greyish but varies from species to species. |
| Teeth | 40 to 56 teeth that are 3 inches long | 300 to 3,000 arranged in 50 rows |
| Length | 19 to 22 feet or 5.8 to 6.7 meters | Smallest sharks: 6.3 to7.4 inches Largest sharks: 18 meters or 60 feet |
| Weight | 12, 000 pounds or 6 tonnes | 1,500 to 5,000 pounds |
| Bite Force | More than 19, 000 psi | 18, 000 N or 4,000 psi |
| Diet (Meal Per Day) | 500 pounds | 0.5 to 3% of total body weight |
| Speed | Maximum 56 km/h or 34.8 mph | 31 mph with a burst of 46 mph |
| Reproductive Mode | Polygamous (mate with several partners) | Oviparous, viviparous, ovoviviparous |
| Off Springs | Give birth to one offspring at one time | 1 to 300 pups in a single breeding season |
| Life Span | 50 t0 100 years | 20 to 30 years on an average. |
| Predators | No natural predator | Killer Whales |
| Conservational Status | Data deficient | Threatened, endangered or extinct |
Conclusion
Both killer whales and sharks are the apex hunter of the oceanic world, they live in the same habitat but do avoid each other because Killer Whales are more powerful than the sharks. Starting from their general classification to their distribution, appearance, diet, reproductive mode, and survival strategies, these species differ from each other in all aspects. Now by learning about Killer Whales and Sharks, you will differentiate the two in one sight.
