Sperm Whales

Speed:

  • 8-10 knots
  • Short bursts up to 20 knots

    Color:

  • Dark bluish-gray to black
  • May have white on belly and lower jaw

    Length:

  • Male up to 65 feet
  • Female 50-55 feet

    Weight:

  • Males up to 59 tons
  • Females up to 36 tons

    Surfacing:

  • Dive lasts up to 90-minutes, dives may be as deep as 3,200 feet

    Blow:

  • Single blow hole located to the left of the midline, far forward on the head

    Eating Habits:

  • Mainly octopus and squid
  • Also eats sharks and other fish

    Interesting Features:

  • The most hunted whale in the 1800's
  • Has the largest brain in the animal kingdom weighing over 20 lb
  • Whale in the book "Moby Dick"

    Go back to home page

    Please send comments to 2946@advanced.org.