Sperm Whale

Sperm Whales are the largest toothed predators on Earth.

In the expansive realm of Earth’s oceans, the sperm whale, scientifically known as Physeter macrocephalus, stands as a majestic marvel of the deep sea. As the largest predator on the planet, these formidable creatures dominate with an air of mystery and intrigue. Boasting lengths of up to 67 feet and renowned for their iconic spermaceti organ, sperm whales command both respect and fascination.

Distinguished by their dark grey or brownish wrinkled skin, sperm whales possess a unique feature: the ability to dive to extraordinary depths, exceeding 10,000 feet. Their impressive echolocation clicks, among the loudest sounds produced by any animal, showcase their prowess as deep-sea hunters. In this fact sheet, we delve into the captivating world of sperm whales, exploring their deep-sea behaviors, communication techniques, feeding strategies, migration patterns, reproduction, and the conservation challenges that underscore their enigmatic existence in the vast oceanic expanse.

Quick facts

Length

Male: 18m

Female: 12m

Calf: 4,5m

Weight

Male: 57 tons

Female: 24 tons

Calves: 1 ton

Habits

Dive Time

Up to 45mins

Dive Depth

2250m

Reproduction

Up to 70 years

Life Span:

14-16mth

Gestation period:

Dive sequence

@Georgina Cabayol

Behavior & Feeding

Socializing +

When socializing, females from the same unit and/or group spend this active time near the surface of the water and many behaviors can be observed, like breaching, spy-hopping, lobtailing, and a lot of vocalizations.

Communication / Vocalisations “Codas”
“Sequences of clicks which are repeated several times” during socialization moments. [Watkins, W. A., & Schevill, W. E. (1977)]. The codas differ geographically, many different codas have been reported worldwide and the groups of females that use the same repertoires (basically different dialects) are organized into acoustic “clans”. It is believed that the codas are acquired culturally within the family units.

Resting +

Sperm whales rest in a vertical posture just below the surface while drifting but little is known about this behaviour.

Communication / Echolocation +

Sperm whales communicate with each other with clicks, also known as codas and each clan or family has their own dialect.
They also use the clicks for echolocation to locate prey and navigate.

Foraging +

Sperm whales are the largest predators on earth! BUT …there is no visual record of a sperm whale hunting, so the question of how sperm whales catch their food continues to be a debatable topic over the years. However, there is a consensus in the scientific world: ECHOLOCATION plays a vital role!
A single feeding dive starts with the whale raising its tail above the surface of the water. During the descent, they search for prey by producing regular spaced clicks. When a prey is encountered, the sperm whale starts to produce long-frequency sounds (buzzes) and the active hunt of the prey begins. These very intense clicks give vital information on the position of the prey in the last seconds before the capture.

Diet +

They feed on numerous larger species that inhabit the depths of our oceans. Squids seem to be the most relevant food item for sperm whales around the world, including the giant squid (Architeuthidae) and the jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas). In some regions, fishes (bony and cartilaginous fishes) also play an important role in their diet. Females and males normally feed on the same species, but males tend to choose larger individuals.
Females eats c. 750 squid per 24 hours (37 per foraging dive), while males c. 350. Ocasionally octopuses, jellyfish and other marine life.

https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/species/sperm-whale

Distribution & Movements

Sperm whales are one of the most distributed species in the world from the edge of ice packs to the warm tropical waters. Females and immatures are found in tropical and temperate waters (latitudes lower than 40°) while mature males can be found up to the edge of polar ice packs in both hemispheres. Offshore and deeper waters are known to be preferred for this species.

Sperm whale migrations are not very well known, and not so regular as baleen whales. Females and male sperm whales only get together to breed when males migrate from the polar waters to the lower latitudes breeding areas, like the Azores. They have a very extensive range moving across entire ocean basins and sometimes even crossing from one to another.

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual maturity

Females – 9 years; Males – 18 to 21 years old
Males do not take any active role in breeding until their late 20’s.

Gestation period

14 – 16 months
Afterwards, females from the same social unit help each other taking care of the offspring, even suckling calves that are not theirs.

Number of calves

1 calf every 5 years
Every 15 years in older females, one calf on summer or autumn. Reproduction ceases around 40 years old.

Suckling period

Up until 13 years old
At least 2 years, till maximum recorded a male 13 years old, though they might start eating solid food before one year old.

Nursing

2 – 12 years
The males leave the group and form bachelor groups (age between 4 and 21 years old).

Lifespan

Probably 60-70 years
Oldest recorded 77 years.

Mating strategy

Polygynous
Males search for receptive females and fight for them, though females might have important chose of mates. Females care altogether of the calves, sucking calves that are not their own and adaptin their dives to improve babysitting.

Specimen that you can see in Azores sea

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue whales are the largest animals in the world and can easily be detected from a great distance.

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

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Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm whales hold the title of largest predator on Earth eating mostly giant squids from the deep oceans.

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

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Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

The Bryde's whale live in the tropical waters, are agile filter feeders and love to perform acrobatic displays.

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

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Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The second-largest whales, swift and streamlined ocean roamers.

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

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Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Agile mid-sized baleen whales, known for their elusive nature.

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

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Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

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Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Highly social, intelligent & deep divers.

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

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Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Elusive deep-divers known for their unique foraging behavior.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

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Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Third-largest whale species on Earth, fast swimmers and deep-divers.

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

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Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Noted for extraordinary deep-diving, setting mammalian records in depth and duration

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

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Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Melodic giants with acrobatic displays, known for their haunting songs and intricate social behaviors. Know more!

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

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Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

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Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

Notable for their striking body patterns and acrobatic prowess.

Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

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Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures, famous for their playful behavior and remarkable cognitive abilities.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

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Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures.

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

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Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Large groups of common dolphins, whipping the ocean's surface into a froth, are a familiar and thrilling sight in many parts of the world.

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

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False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

Despite its name, the false killer whale belongs taxonomically to the dolphin family and it often behaves more like one of its energetic and sprightly smaller relatives.

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

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Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

Sowerby’s Beaked Whales are elusive denizens of the North Atlantic, recognized by their slender beaks and distinctive forehead bulges.

Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

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Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's dolphin is renowned for its heavily scarred appearance and significant size among species referred to as dolphins.

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

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Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

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Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

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Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Elusive deep-divers known for their unique foraging behavior.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

View profile

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures, famous for their playful behavior and remarkable cognitive abilities.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

View profile

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Large groups of common dolphins, whipping the ocean's surface into a froth, are a familiar and thrilling sight in many parts of the world.

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

View profile

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Noted for extraordinary deep-diving, setting mammalian records in depth and duration

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

View profile

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

Despite its name, the false killer whale belongs taxonomically to the dolphin family and it often behaves more like one of its energetic and sprightly smaller relatives.

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

View profile

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

View profile

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures.

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

View profile

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Highly social, intelligent & deep divers.

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

View profile

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's dolphin is renowned for its heavily scarred appearance and significant size among species referred to as dolphins.

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

View profile

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue whales are the largest animals in the world and can easily be detected from a great distance.

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

View profile

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

The Bryde's whale live in the tropical waters, are agile filter feeders and love to perform acrobatic displays.

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

View profile

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The second-largest whales, swift and streamlined ocean roamers.

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

View profile

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Melodic giants with acrobatic displays, known for their haunting songs and intricate social behaviors. Know more!

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

View profile

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Agile mid-sized baleen whales, known for their elusive nature.

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

View profile

Whale Watching in Ponta Delgada

Whale Watching in Rabo de Peixe

Van Tour to Furnas

Jeep Tour Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo

Kayak Rental in Sete Cidades (double)

Bike Rental in Sete Cidades

Whale Watching in Lajes do Pico

Pico Island Van Tour

Hiking Unesco Heritage

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm Whales are the largest toothed predators on Earth.

Quick facts

Length

Weight

Habits

Reproduction

Reproduction

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Vulnerable Elevated risk. Urgent conservation actions needed.

Physical characteristics

Group Structure

Dive sequence

Behavior & Feeding

Predators

Distribution & Movements

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual maturity

Gestation period

Number of calves

Suckling period

Nursing

Lifespan

Mating strategy

Species in the Azores

Sighting frequency

Sighting frequency

BY SPECIES

Sighting frequency

BY SPECIES

Species

Departure Points

Dates

Related Scientific Articles

Fernandez, M. et al (2011): Modeling the distribution of cetaceans using opportunistic presence-only data in São Miguel Island

Gardoki, M. (2018): Tracking a Resident Male Sperm Whale off São Miguel Island

Sardà, C. et al (2011): AzoresPhotoID: First Results from an Open-Access Photo-Identification Catalog

Mullin, K. D. et al (2022): Long-Range Longitudinal Movements of Sperm Whales in the North Atlantic Ocean

Van der Linde, M. et al (2019): An assessment of sperm whale occurrence and social structure off São Miguel Island

González, L. et al (2012): Predictive modelling map of the most favorable observation zones for Azorean sperm whales

González, L. et al (2012): Distribution of sperm whales off the south coast of São Miguel

Sousa, A. et al (2021): Climate change vulnerability of cetaceans in Macaronesia

Van der Linde, M. et al (2015): Temporal and Spatial Distribution Patterns of Sperm Whales in the Azores: Insights from Photo-Identification

Moreso, G. (2021): Understanding sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in Pico Island, Azores

Marcolin, C. (2022): Implementation of an acoustic protocol on whale watching vessels for size estimation of sperm whales off São Miguel, Azores

González, L. (2018): Spatio-temporal distribution of the order Cetacea in the Azores: relationship between biotic and abiotic variables

Related Blog Posts & News

Sperm Whale’s Scars | Scientific explanation

Sperm Whale Diet | Scientific Approach

Specimen that you can see in Azores sea

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Vulnerable

Elevated risk. Urgent conservation actions needed.