Viral Video Has People Terrified Of False Killer Whales

June 4, 2024 Malorie Thompson

Most people have heard of killer whales, also known as orcas, but many are just now learning about false killer whales - a deadly species of oceanic dolphin.

TikTok user @mndiaye_97 shared a now-viral video talking about false killer whales, and it has people terrified.

This species, scientifically known as Pseudorca crassidens, gets its name from its striking appearance to orcas. It's really the shape of their skulls that resembles killer whales. They also have sharp-looking teeth hiding in their large mouths that just add to their appearance.

Photo: flickr/William Warby

While false killer whales are known to be gracious and friendly towards humans, the same can't be said for other species. As the NOAA explained, they're carnivorous and will kill prey, such as fish or squids, and throw them up into the air before calling other false killer whales to eat. They share their food and converge to feed.

What's especially unsettling about the animal is that they occasionally eat other dolphins or orcas. @mndiaye_97 explained that it's not uncommon for false killer whales to form sexual relationships with bottlenose dolphins, including homosexual relationships, but they'll also eat those same dolphins from time to time.

Photo: flickr/Alan Moore

Apparently, they're often not found in aquariums for that very reason. When they're around other dolphins and whales, they either want to eat or mate.

While not as common, there have even been documented cases of false killer whales hunting sharks to eat.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

While they definitely look intimidating, false killer whales are similar to regular killer whales in that they're not known to attack humans or show aggression towards humans. According to American Oceans, "there haven’t been any reported instances of false killer whales killing humans."

In fact, false killer whales have been known to offer gifts to humans, like fish!

It just goes to show that you can't just a book by its cover. Or in this case, you can't judge a species by its intimidating appearance.

Malorie Thompson

Malorie works as a writer and editor in Northern California. She's passionate about food, conscious living, animal welfare, and conservation. She's worked with a variety of publications in different sectors but is happiest covering topics close to her heart. When not at her laptop, Malorie can be found enjoying picnics on the beach, hiking in the redwoods, and spending time with her rescue pup, Jax.

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