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Species Identification Guide
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
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Length:
3.5-4.0m/11.5-13.2 ft (newborn); 8.3-11.0(15.0)m 27.4- 36.3(49.5)ft (adult female), 11.0-15.8(20.5)m/36.3-52.1(67.6)ft (adult male).
Head and Beak:
The Sperm Whale has a huge square head (up to one-third total length in male); underslung lower jaw.
Fin and Markings:
No fin but distinct triangular or dorsal hump two-thirds along body, followed by spinal ridge. Corrugations on skin gives the Sperm Whale a shrivelled appearance. Dark brown or grey in colour.
ID:
The bushy blow of a Sperm Whale is directed forwards and to left, 1.5-5.0m high; may lie log like on surface; broad, triangular and deeply notched tail flukes thrown into air.
Status and Distribution:
Rare in deep Atlantic waters offshore from Iceland and Norway south to the Iberian Peninsula, and east into the Mediterranean Sea. Sperm Whales are mainly seen around Iceland, off western Norway (Andenes), west coast of Portugal, north coast of Spain, and the Azores. In coastal North European waters, Sperm Whales are mainly reported from July to December
View detailed distribution maps
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Media
Download Sperm Whale movie
Download Sperm Whale sounds