Sperm Whale
Scientific
name
Physeter
macrocephalus (= 'blower' and 'big head')
The largest brain...
Sperm
whales possess the largest brain of any creature that has ever
lived on Earth. And they have the largest head of any animal (6m
long = 2 Mini cars).
They
received the name of 'Sperm Whales' cause of an organ inside their
head - the spermaceti organ. The spermaceti organ contains high
quality oil. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Sperm Whales
were killed for this oil used to lighting lamps and heating.
Today
it's forbidden and Sperm Whales are now common whale-watch attractions,
especially in the waters around New Zealand.
But
Sperm Whales can be found in all deep oceans waters.
They
can live for 75 years or more.
Physical Description
Sperm
Whales are dark grey to black, their skin is wrinkled. They have
one blowhole located at the left of the forehead.
Sperm
Whales are the largest toothed whales. They can measure up to
18 (as 2 school buses) for 20 to 50 tonnes which is as much heavy
as 2 school buses.
Feeding
Sperm
Whales are carnivores,
their favorite food is giant squid!
They also eat octopus, shrimps, crabs, fish and sometimes sharks!
Behaviour
Sperm
Whales live in pods
of 10-20 individuals. Generally, they are made up of females with
their calves.
Females nurse their calves during 2 years. The calves are protected
by all the mothers!
They
can hold their breath for up to 2 hours. And you, how long can
you hold your breath?
Sperm
Whales communicate with clicks so powerful that sometimes they
use them to 'stun' their prey!
They
often log,
breach and
lob tail.
Lob tailing makes a very loud sound (imagine 2 school buses falling
in the water, it's another way of communicating.
Threats
Sperm
Whales are threatened by pollution,
noise disturbance especially from ships's engine. They are also
often entangled in nets but not hunted anymore.
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