Sperm whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Size: Total length 11–20 m · 15–57 t
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Cathemeral
Sociality: Social
Lifespan: —

The largest toothed whale, famous for its huge head and deep-diving ability. It hunts squid and fish far below the ocean surface.

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Key facts

Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is a carnivore animal classified as Mammal · Cetartiodactyla · Physeteridae.
Primary habitats are open ocean, with a range across Pacific Ocean · Atlantic Ocean · Indian Ocean · Southern Ocean.
Activity is cathemeral, sociality is social, and conservation status is VU (Vulnerable).
The largest toothed whale, famous for its huge head and deep-diving ability.
Sperm whales range through deep oceans worldwide, especially shelf edges and ocean basins.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

Sperm whales range through deep oceans worldwide, especially shelf edges and ocean basins. Females and young favor warmer waters, while males travel poleward.

Appearance

A massive squared head dominates the body, and teeth line the lower jaw. The low dorsal hump and angled blow are distinctive.

Behavior

They make long dives and use echolocation in darkness. Females and calves live in matrilineal groups, while adult males often roam alone.

Feeding

Deep-sea squid, octopuses, and fish are eaten. Circular sucker scars can record encounters with large squid.

Reproduction

Females bear single calves at long intervals and nurse them for an extended period. Group members may help protect calves.

Notes

Whaling greatly reduced populations, and ship strikes, entanglement, ocean noise, and pollutants remain concerns.