What does a false killer whale eat?

The diet of the false killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens, is quite varied, reflecting its classification as a cosmopolitan, relatively large member of the oceanic dolphin family, despite its common name suggesting a relation to the true killer whale. ^[1][2] Unlike their namesake, which famously targets large marine mammals, the false killer whale's menu centers primarily on smaller prey items, though their predatory scope does extend to other cetaceans. ^[10] These creatures are known to consume a mixture of fish, squid, and other marine mammals, making them active, opportunistic feeders across the water column. ^[2][3][6]

# Staple Foods

The foundation of the false killer whale’s diet appears to be fish and squid. ^[1][2] They are not selective in the way some other odontocetes are, meaning their feeding habits allow them to capitalize on whatever resources are locally abundant. ^[1] While specific species identification is challenging without direct observation of feeding, the general category of pelagic (open-ocean) fish forms a significant portion of their caloric intake. ^[6] This reliance on fast-swimming, open-water species suggests powerful and coordinated hunting techniques, often taking place far from the coast. ^[9]

A key distinction often drawn is between these dolphins and the true killer whale, or orca. Orcas are apex predators known for hunting large prey like seals, sea lions, and even large baleen whales. ^[10] False killer whales, by comparison, stick to smaller fare for the bulk of their meals. However, the shared taxonomy as toothed whales means that they share a certain predatory drive, leading to occasional overlap in prey type, even if the scale is vastly different. ^[10]

# Cephalopod Intake

Squid represents a major dietary component, positioning the false killer whale as an important consumer of cephalopods. ^[1][8] In many ecosystems where they reside, squid species form a dense, energy-rich food source that can be pursued effectively in deeper, offshore waters. ^[9] Because squid are often active at night or in deep-scattering layers, the foraging behaviors of false killer whales likely include deep dives to intercept these slick, fast-moving targets. ^[1] Observing a pod surfacing near deep canyons or shelf breaks often suggests they are either traveling between feeding zones or actively pursuing these cephalopods. ^[5]

It is fascinating to consider the mechanics of consuming large, slippery squid without the prominent grasping teeth seen in some other toothed whales. This implies the false killer whale relies heavily on suction feeding or powerful jaw clamping to secure its prey before swallowing it whole, a testament to the versatility of their oral anatomy. ^[8]

Do false killer whales eat sharks?

# Mammalian Targets

Despite the preference for fish and squid, the inclusion of other marine mammals in their diet sets them apart from being just a fish-eater. ^[6] False killer whales have been documented preying upon other dolphins, porpoises, and even smaller species of whales. ^[1][4] This predatory behavior towards other cetaceans brings them closer, behaviorally, to the orca than their general diet might suggest. ^[10]

This consumption of mammals is not necessarily a daily staple but rather an opportunistic take when the chance arises, or perhaps when primary food sources are scarce. ^[1] The social structure of false killer whales, which involves tight-knit groups, may lend itself to cooperative hunting necessary to isolate and overpower a faster, more agile dolphin or porpoise. ^[2] The ability to successfully hunt other members of the order Cetacea speaks volumes about their physical capabilities and social complexity. ^[4]

# Regional Specialization

Dietary patterns are rarely static across a species' entire range, and false killer whales are no exception. ^[1] The most detailed information regarding their specific fish preferences comes from studies of island-associated populations, such as the Main Hawaiian Islands Insular Population. ^[4] For these specific groups, the diet leans heavily into large, high-value reef and pelagic fish. ^[4]

In the waters around Hawaii, researchers have confirmed that their menu includes:

• Tuna ^[4][5]
• Mahimahi ^[4][5]
• Ono (Wahoo) ^[4][5]
• Billfish (such as marlin or spearfish) ^[4]

This localized focus on large, fast-moving, commercially valuable fish suggests a highly adapted foraging strategy tailored to the unique biodiversity of the Hawaiian archipelago. ^[4] If you are tracking these animals near these islands, understanding the seasonal migration of tuna or the presence of large billfish schools becomes a crucial predictor of where the false killer whales might be found. ^[5] This contrasts sharply with populations in other areas where squid or smaller schooling fish might dominate the observed stomach contents. ^[1]

Do killer whales eat crabeater seals?

# Hunting Strategies

Although direct observations of feeding sequences are rare given their preference for deep, offshore environments, we can infer aspects of their hunting based on their prey selection and social structure. ^[9] Since their diet includes speedy fish like tuna and agile marine mammals, it requires coordination, speed, and likely the use of echolocation to track prey in deep or murky water. ^[6]

One area of interest when comparing their feeding to other dolphins is the role of social learning. Given that they operate in stable family units, it is highly probable that successful hunting techniques for specific prey—like driving a school of fish toward the surface or isolating a single dolphin from its pod—are taught and passed down through generations within the matrilineal structure. ^[2] This knowledge transfer represents a form of cultural expertise directly influencing survival and caloric intake. ^[1] Observing pod movements—for instance, consistently following deep-water canyons or seamounts—often provides clues about established, reliable feeding grounds rather than random searching. ^[9] When trying to spot these animals, looking for areas where subsurface acoustic activity is high, or where other mid-water predators are actively feeding, can offer an educated guess as to where the false killer whales are currently dining. ^[4]