Whenever we speak about the killer whale, there is only one distinct animal that comes to mind. However, the fourth-largest dolphin in the world might share a similar name, but it is an entirely different species known as false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). However, the two do share a few interesting similarities.

5 Fun Facts About False Killer Whales

• The false killer whale has an appearance of a black outer layer with a gray throat and neck. It has a slim body with an oblong, tapering head and a whopping amount of teeth. 44, to be exact.
• Females can grow up to 17 feet and can weigh up to 2,600 pounds, while the biggest of males can grow up 20 feet and weigh an amount of 4,900 pounds.
• Their most prevalent habitat is none other than the open ocean, although they have also been known to be regularly present in other areas.
• The false killer whale was originally described by the British paleontologist and environmentalist Richard Owen in his 1846 book A History of British Fossil Mammals and Birds.
• In 2004, a female whale-dolphin mix nicknamed a “wholphin” — spawned a female calf who was known as Kawili Kai at Sea Life Park Hawaii. Kekaimalu, the wholphin mama (her name can be translated to “from the peaceful ocean”), was born May 15, 1985, after a 14-foot, 2,000-pound false killer whale and a 6-foot, 400-pound dolphin bred. Kekaimalu had an earlier female with the name Pohaikealoha, but she had died at age 9. The two animals, Kekaimalu and Kawili Kai, remain in captivity at Sea Life Park.