Sperm Whale [Physeter]

Description

Physeter is the only extant genus in its family, Physeteridae, known for containing the largest of all toothed whales, the sperm whale. This genus is characterized by its massive head, which houses the spermaceti organ, responsible for its name. The sperm whale is known for its deep diving capabilities, reaching depths over 2,000 meters to feed primarily on squid. Distinctive physical features include a single blowhole asymmetrically located on the left side of the head, a series of rounded humps on the back instead of a dorsal fin, and large, paddle-shaped flippers. Sperm whales have a global distribution, inhabiting all deep oceans, from the polar to the tropical regions.

Species
Sperm Whale
Sperm Whale [Physeter macrocephalus]
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Pygmy Sperm Whale
Pygmy Sperm Whale [Kogia breviceps]
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Dwarf Sperm Whale
Dwarf Sperm Whale [Kogia sima]
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Taxonomy
Phylum Chordates
Chordata
Class Mammals
Mammalia
Order Cetaceans
Cetacea
Family Sperm whales
Physeteridae
Statistics
  • Species 3