Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm Whales are deep-diving marine mammals known for their impressive ability to dive to great depths in search of prey. They primarily feed on squid but also consume fish and other small marine organisms. They are social animals that often travel in pods, and they communicate with each other using clicks and echolocation.

Mating often occurs throughout the year, and males compete for access to females. Dominant males typically mate with multiple females within a pod. After mating, female Sperm Whales have a gestation period lasting approximately 14 to 16 months. They give birth to a single calf, although twins are very rare. Calves are relatively large at birth and are nursed by their mothers

Sperm Whales have distinctive features, including a large, square-shaped head that can account for about one-third of their body length. They have a single blowhole located on the left side of their head. Their skin is typically wrinkled and grayish-brown. Sperm Whales have teeth only in their lower jaw, with a varying number, usually around 20 to 26, of conical teeth. They have the largest brain of any animal on Earth.

Sperm Whales have a long history of human interaction. They were heavily hunted for their valuable spermaceti oil, which was used in oil lamps and candles, as well as for other products. This led to a significant decline in their populations, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Sperm Whales are currently listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). While hunting for sperm oil has significantly decreased, they still face threats from entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and habitat degradation due to human activities such as noise pollution and climate change. Conservation efforts are in place to protect and monitor their populations, but more research is needed to ensure their long-term survival.