What kind of whale is a sperm whale? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This whale is distributed all over the world from the North Pole to the Antarctic, and is a member of the whale family that can be seen in any ocean, but despite this, it is designated as an endangered species.
What is a sperm whale? About basic status
Sperm whales are classified into the Spermaceae family and Spermaceae genus. The scientific name is Physeter macrocephalus. It can reach 16-18m in size and weigh up to 50t. A list of basic information is below. In the ocean, some of the giant whales have sharp teeth and specialize in diving. There are many mysteries and research is still needed.
| Japanese（和名） | マッコウクジラ |
| English（英名） | Sperm whale |
| scientific name(学名) | Physeter macrocephalus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Artiodactyla/Cetartiodactyla、 Physeteroidea、Physeter 哺乳綱、偶蹄目、マッコウクジラ科、マッコウクジラ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 16-18m |
| Weight（体重） | 20-50t |
About classification
Sperm whales belong to the whale family. This species alone constitutes the genus Sperm Whale.
About habitat
Sperm whales are distributed throughout the world’s oceans, from the North Pole to the South Pole.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Sperm whales are basically deep-sea creatures. The fumaroles (breathing holes, nostrils) are concentrated in the front of the head. The tail is triangular and very thick. It is the largest living toothed whale, second only to fin whales and right whales. Its most notable feature is its extremely enlarged head, and it has the largest and heaviest brain of all animals. Therefore, it can be said that it is a whale with very high intelligence. They can spend two-thirds of their lives in the deep sea, diving over 2,000 meters.
What is your personality like?
Sperm whales tend to be solitary or form groups. A large mature sperm whale has many scars on its body surface. This often occurs after males fight over females during the breeding season.
What is the ecology like?
Sperm whales feed on squid and fish such as giant squid. Female gestation period is at least 12 months. Parenting lasts several years. Sperm whales can live for about 70 to 80 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
Natural enemies are killer whales and sharks. Others include humans.
Is the sperm whale an endangered species?
Sperm whales are listed as an endangered species. It is also listed in Appendix I of the Washington Convention, and international trade is restricted. The reason for the large decline in population is probably the whaling problem and ocean pollution. Although they are now restricted to some extent, in the past they could do whatever they wanted, so their numbers have decreased dramatically.
Can sperm whales be kept as pets?
Sperm whales cannot be kept in captivity. In the first place, it is not an animal that can be kept as it is too large.
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