Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Kaikoura, New Zealand - November 2005

Sperm Whales are the largest toothed predators on the planet, with large adult males reaching lengths of about 15m and weighing 35-50,000kg. They exhibit the highest degree of sexual dimorphism of any cetacean and females only reach lengths of about 8.5m.

Kaikoura, New Zealand - November 2005

Just before diving the whales breathe out forcefully, producing a forwardly directed spout...

Kaikoura, New Zealand - November 2005

...then arch their backs and raise their tail out of the water.

Kaikoura, New Zealand - November 2005

Sperm Whales typically dive to depths of 1000m or more where their main prey, squid, are found in large numbers, but they have been recorded diving to depths of 3200m (2 vertical miles)! A normal dive lasts for about 45-60minutes.

Kaikoura, New Zealand - November 2005

Kaikoura, New Zealand - November 2005

Kaikoura, New Zealand - November 2005

Each whale has a unique pattern of notches on their tail flukes, as is clearly illustrated by the three photos above.