How long can a whale hold breath?

The amount of time a whale can hold its breath varies greatly depending on the species and its activity level. Here's a general breakdown:

* Sperm whales: These deep-diving giants can hold their breath for up to 90 minutes, the longest of any mammal.

* Other baleen whales: Species like humpback whales and blue whales typically hold their breath for 20-30 minutes on average.

* Smaller whales: Smaller toothed whales like dolphins and porpoises usually hold their breath for 5-10 minutes.

Factors influencing breath-holding time:

* Depth: The deeper a whale dives, the less time it can stay submerged due to increased pressure.

* Activity level: More active whales need more oxygen and will surface more frequently.

* Species: As mentioned above, different species have different lung capacities and dive strategies.

* Age and health: Younger and healthier whales generally have better breath-holding capabilities.

It's important to remember that these are just estimates. Many factors can influence how long a whale can stay underwater.