Wildlifeof China
Sperm Whale
Whales, Dolphins & Dugong
Photo: (c) Fred Derks, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY
Physeter macrocephalus
Basic stats
Diet
Primarily squid, including deep-water species, and fish
Habitat
Deep oceanic waters and continental slopes
Range
Oceans worldwide
Size
Females approximately 11–12m; males up to approximately 16–18m
Weight
Females approximately 14,000kg; large males over 40,000kg
The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale, with an enormous squared head containing the spermaceti organ, a narrow lower jaw and wrinkled dark skin. Its blow angles forward and left because the single blowhole lies asymmetrically near the front of the head. Mature males are much larger than females and may reach 16–18m. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Sperm whales inhabit deep oceans worldwide and hunt squid and fish during prolonged dives, using powerful echolocation clicks. Females and young live in social units, while mature males range more widely and often reach higher latitudes. Flukes are raised prominently before deep dives, making individuals identifiable from photographs. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Sperm Whale eat?
- Primarily squid, including deep-water species, and fish
- What habitat does the Sperm Whale live in?
- Deep oceanic waters and continental slopes
- Where is the Sperm Whale found?
- Oceans worldwide
- How big is the Sperm Whale?
- Females approximately 11–12m; males up to approximately 16–18m
- How much does the Sperm Whale weigh?
- Females approximately 14,000kg; large males over 40,000kg