Explore Creatures
Sperm Whale Physeter macrocephalus
The largest toothed whale, the sperm whale is also the largest predator that hunts individual prey. Even in poor light, it is unmistakable, with a huge, square-ended head. Adult males are typically 13 ft (4 m) longer than females and twice as heavy. This species has wrinkled skin and a row of knobby projections between its dorsal fin and its tail. It dives to over 9,800 ft (3,000 m) to hunt giant squid. Its head contains a store of a waxy oil called spermaceti, which is thought to act as a buoyancy regulator. The oil may also help to focus beams of high-pitched sound, which the whale uses to detect its prey.
zoom image
- Order Cetacea
- Length Up to 65 ft (20 m)
- Weight Up to 55 tons (50 metric tons)
- Habitat Deep water, especially close to edges of continental shelves
- Distribution Worldwide, except extreme north and south
zoom image
