Orcas in captivity have their folded dorsal fin
Orcas are one of the most striking attractions of aquatic parks or natural reserves. But there is a phenomenon that surrounds these animals: the dorsal fin of the orcs in captivity is bent. Today we will try to give some explanations to this peculiar fact.
How is a Orca in broad strokes?
The Orcas (Orcinus orca) are impressive animals. We are talking about cetaceans that can measure more than 9 meters in length and with an average weight of 5 tons. They are one of the great marine superdators. Without a doubt, its most characteristic feature is its coloration. Its long black body is ‘splashed’ of white spots, so that each individual can be distinguished thanks to this combination of colors. Although they are commonly known as ‘whales’, they actually belong to the Delphinidae family. Therefore, its closest "relatives" are the dolphins. Like the dolphins, they have a triangular dorsal fin, which in the orcs is of considerable size.
Why do the dorsal fin use?
The main function of this fin is to act as support and stabilizer. This would help improve the movement of orcs when they swim. Males have a dorsal fin that can measure 1.8 meters and has an elongated shape. In females it is usually smaller and has a more rounded shape on the tip. In biology, this is known as sexual dimorphism.
The dorsal fin is also an indicative to distinguish some specimens from others. Some experts, based on morphological and molecular studies, have come to determine that there are different types or ‘species’ of orcs, and each of them corresponds to a concrete morphology of dorsal fin. Well, related to this dorsal fin, a worrying phenomenon has been observed: the orcs in captivity have lost the rigidity of their dorsal fin.
Why is the dorsal fin folded in orcas in captivity?
The proliferation of aquatic parks has revealed this abnormal fact. Although it has also been observed in Orcas in freedom, more and more orcs are observed in captivity with the atrophied dorsal fin. The most plausible explanation is that it is due to the lack of exercise of these animals when they are in small spaces. This causes atrophy in the muscles that are in charge of keeping the stone erect.
It is also considered that the lack of pressure has something to do. Not being subject to the great pressures of the oceanic depths, it is believed that the dorsal fin tends to bend. This does not happen in the copies in freedom, since when swimming in deep water, pressure is exerted that keeps the fin in its natural position. Another probable cause can be the overexposure in the air and the sun during the exhibitions. Unfortunately, it is not yet known exactly what this fact causes, but like other threats, it does not let it be worrying.
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