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Physeteridae:
Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales. Adult males grow to bee about 50-60 feet (17-20 m) long, weighing about 40-50 tons (36-45 tonnes). Females are smaller, about 33-40 feet (11-13 m) long, weighing about 14-18 tons. The four-chambered heart of the average sperm whale weighs about 277 pounds (126 kg) - about as much as two average adult human beings.
The common characteristic of each species is the spermaceti, a semi-liquid waxy white liquid filling the case or spermaceti organ in the whale's head.
Sperm whales are known to dive incredible depths to find food. Sperm whales eat squid, fish and even sharks. They belong to the group of toothed whales which have teeth instead of baleen. The sperm whale has the largest brain of any animal on earth though this does not imply they are particularly intelligent. |
