35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Cetacea; Family: Delphinidae; Genus: Orcinus; Genus species: Orcinus orca. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 5-8 m; Weight: 1300-5400 kg; Identification: Orcas are black with white patches above their eyes. A gray saddle is behind their dorsal fin, and their undersides are white; Habitat: Oceans; Diet: Carnivore: fish, squid, seals, sea lions, walruses, otters, dolphins, penguins, birds, turtles, whales; Reproduction: Orcas do not have a specific breeding season, although most mating occurs during the summer months. The gestation period is 16-17 months long. The single calf may nurse for as long as three years. Orcas can live up to 40 years of age; Social Structure: Orcas are highly social animals. They live in pods of up to 100 related individuals. These groups are matriarchal and hunt cooperatively together; Behavior: When hunting, a pod will encircle and herd the prey into a small area. They will also often 'beach' themselves to catch animals such as seals; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: These whales can travel at speeds of 30 mph. They can dive 1,000 ft deep for 12 minutes. Their diving ability comes from the fact that they are capable of efficiently extracting oxygen from the water. Orcas have a lot of red blood cells to transport great amounts of oxygen, which is then stored in the muscles. Orcas have good hearing, vision, and touch, but no sense of smell.