About the Sperm Whale

Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are the largest toothed predators on Earth and are easily recognised by their massive heads and prominent, squared snouts. They are famous for their deep dives to hunt squid and other deep-sea creatures.

Growing up to 16 metres (52 feet) in length and weighing as much as 45 tonnes (100,000 pounds), they are true ocean giants. Their heads house the largest brain of any animal and contain spermaceti, a waxy substance whose exact purpose remains uncertain, although scientists believe it may play a role in buoyancy and echolocation. Sperm Whales use powerful clicks for communication and hunting, producing some of the loudest sounds in the animal kingdom. Found in deep oceans worldwide, Sperm Whales play a vital role in marine ecosystems, helping regulate deep-sea food webs.

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They are relatively common in deep water but are rarely seen due to their preference for deep ocean basins far from shore.

While they have rebounded from the brink of extinction due to whaling, they still face threats from ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.

Changes in ocean temperatures and currents can affect the deep-sea environments and prey species they rely on.

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