About Sperm Whales

The sperm whale is among the largest of the planet's living animals. It gets its name from a substance stored in the front of its head called spermaceti. Whalers at one time thought the substance to be sperm and named it accordingly. Scientists are still unsure of the purpose for this oily substance, but think it may help buoyancy.

  1. Description

    • Sperm whales are large animals, dark in color, with square-shaped heads and torpedo-like bodies. Males grow to around 50 feet in length , on average, but can reach 65 feet; their average weight is 87,000 lbs. Females grow to 35 feet in length and 27,000 lbs. on average, so are noticeably smaller. The whale's huge head contains the largest brain of any animal known to have existed on earth. The whales have small dorsal humps along their backs and large tails which they use to propel through the water.

    Habitat and Range

    • The sperm whale is found throughout the world's oceans, most commonly between 40 degrees north and 40 degrees south. The whales are spotted mainly off the coasts of South America and Africa and tend to prefer offshore waters with depths in excess of 1,968 feet. The whales are capable of diving down to depths of almost two miles and stay underwater for up to two hours.

    Diet and Predators

    • The whales dive deeply in search of food, which generally consists of squid, octopus, fish and occasionally sharks. The sperm whale and the giant squid are believed to be common enemies. This is based on many occurrences of suction cup scars on adult whales and squid parts found in the whales' stomach contents. Other than humans and the whaling industry, the sperm whales do have some natural predators. Killer whales have been seen hunting solitary sperm whales in groups. Large sharks are also a danger to young whales.

    Life Cycle

    • Like many whale species, sperm whales will travel in family groups known as pods which include between 15 and 20 individuals. Males will sometimes travel alone, ranging into colder northern or southern waters, while females and young stay in warmer tropical climates. Males reach sexual maturity at 20 years old with the females maturing earlier, at 9 years. A typical pregnancy lasts 14 to 19 months, and the female cares for the calf for up to two years. The average lifespan in the wild is between 50 and 70 years.