Details
Physeter macrocephalus
The largest toothed whale, famous for its huge head and deep-diving ability. It hunts squid and fish far below the ocean surface.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Sperm whales range through deep oceans worldwide, especially shelf edges and ocean basins. Females and young favor warmer waters, while males travel poleward.
A massive squared head dominates the body, and teeth line the lower jaw. The low dorsal hump and angled blow are distinctive.
They make long dives and use echolocation in darkness. Females and calves live in matrilineal groups, while adult males often roam alone.
Deep-sea squid, octopuses, and fish are eaten. Circular sucker scars can record encounters with large squid.
Females bear single calves at long intervals and nurse them for an extended period. Group members may help protect calves.
Whaling greatly reduced populations, and ship strikes, entanglement, ocean noise, and pollutants remain concerns.
