Does a sperm whale weigh?
Sperm whales are the largest of all toothed whales and can grow to a maximum length of 52 feet (15.8 m) and weight of 90,000 pounds (40 metric tons), with males growing much larger than females.
Why is sperm whale called sperm?
They are named after the waxy substance—spermaceti—found in their heads. The spermaceti is an oil sac that helps the whales focus sound. Spermaceti was used in oil lamps, lubricants, and candles.
Why do sperm whales have teeth?
The teeth are functional, but do not appear to be necessary for capturing or eating squid, as well-fed animals have been found without teeth or even with deformed jaws. One hypothesis is that the teeth are used in aggression between males. Mature males often show scars which seem to be caused by the teeth.
Can sperm whales be female?
The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale and the most sexually dimorphic whale. Males can attain a length of 16 metres and a weight of 45 tons while females are considerably smaller, reaching a maximum length of about 12 m and 15 tons.
How smart are sperm whales?
What is this? Overall, sperm whales are considered intelligent marine mammals with highly specialized skills. However, the extent of their intelligence remains partially speculative due to a lack of our understanding of these amazing animals.
Is a sperm whale faster than a fin whale?
Sperm whales live at the surface of the ocean but dive very deeply to catch the giant squid. SPEED The sperm whale swims leisurely at the surface at about 3-9 mph (4.8-14.4 kph). They can sustain a faster pace, when fleeing danger, of 21-27 mph (34-43 kph) for up to an hour. REPRODUCTION Sperm whale breeding is not very dependent on the seasons.
Do sperm whales have any predators?
Do sperm whales have any predators? Orcas are the largest natural threat to sperm whales, though pilot whales and false killer whales are also known to hunt them. Orcas go after entire sperm whale pods and will try to take a calf or even a female, but the male sperm whales are generally too big and aggressive to be hunted.
What is the lifespan of a sperm whale?
The lifespan of a whale is determined by its habitat, geography, diet, lifestyle, level of endangerment, and species. For example, the Sperm whale has an average lifespan of 60 to 80 years while the Dwarf sperm whale has an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years.
Is a sperm whale a mammal reptile amphibian or fish?
Pygmy Sperm Whale, Kogia breviceps, is a distant ‘relative’ of Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus).). At sea it is often difficult to distinguish them from the Dwarf Sperm Whale, which only differs in size and shape of the dorsal fin.