| Latin Name |
Physeter macrocephalus |
| Conservation Status |
Vulnerable |
| Location
| Deep Waters Worldwide |
| Colour |
Dark Grey or Brown |
| Length |
11 - 20 m (36 - 65 ft) |
| Weight |
20 - 57 tonnes (19.5 - 56 tons) |
| Life Expectancy |
Over 70 Yrs |
Main Characteristics
Sperm Whales are the largest of all the toothed whales and the largest living toothed animal. They are between 11 and 20 m (36 - 65 ft) in length and they weigh between 20 and 57 tonnes (19.5 - 56 tons).
Sperm Whales are the deepest diving mammal, they can dive to depths of 2,000 m (6,560 ft) and they can possibly even reach depths of 3,000 m (9,843 ft). They are able to remain underwater for 2 hours without coming up for a breath and they also hold the record for having the heaviest brain in the world.
Habitat
Sperms Whales can be found in deep waters worldwide.
Diet
Sperm Whales feed on squid, octopus and deep water fish.
Breeding
After a gestation period of 14 - 16 months, Sperm Whales give birth to a single calf. The calf suckles for 4 years, sometimes longer.
Subspecies
There are no subspecies of Sperm Whale.
Interesting Facts
Sperm Whales are also known as:
Great Sperm Whale
Giant Sperm Whale
Spermacet Whale
Cachelot
Pot Whale
Moby Dick was a Sperm Whale.
Similar Animals
Dwarf Sperm Whale
Pygmy Sperm Whale
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Sperm Whale Range Map 