KidZone Animals
Whales: Sperm Whales

Sperm whale with diver

"Steve Backshall with Sperm whale"; used with permission under CC BY-SA 3.0

Sperm whales or Physeter macrocephalus are part of the Odontoceti (toothed whales). The Sperm whale is the largest toothed mammal in the world! Like most odontocetes, the males are larger than the females. Males can weigh up to 110,000 pounds (50,000 kilograms) and measure up to 20 meters (66 feet) in length. Females are much smaller, weighing around 36,000 pounds (16,000 kilograms) and measuring up to 13 meters (43 feet) in length.

Sperm whales are dark gray to black in color. They have a large, square-shaped head with a small lower jaw relative to the top part of the head. With no dorsal fin and only one blowhole, they, surprisingly, have similarities to the Beluga whale and Narwhal.

The Sperm whale gets its name from its large head, which contains the spermaceti organ filled with spermaceti oil. This oil solidifies as the water gets colder, enabling the Sperm whale to dive deeper than any other whale (up to 1,200 meters or 3,937 feet!). Its head essentially weighs it down, giving it momentum to swim against the pressures of the deep ocean. Additionally, the Sperm whale can hold its breath for up to 90 minutes!

Key Points:

  1. Suborder: Sperm whales are part of the Odontoceti (toothed whales).
  2. Size: Males can weigh up to 110,000 pounds (50,000 kilograms) and measure up to 20 meters (66 feet) in length. Females weigh around 36,000 pounds (16,000 kilograms) and measure up to 13 meters (43 feet).
  3. Physical Characteristics: Dark gray to black in color, large square-shaped head, small lower jaw, no dorsal fin, and only one blowhole.
  4. Spermaceti Organ: Contains spermaceti oil, which solidifies in cold water, allowing deep dives.
  5. Diving Ability: Can dive up to 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) and hold their breath for up to 90 minutes.