The Sperm whale

​General description

The sperm whale is a cetacean with a long, robust body and slightly compressed laterally at the level of the head. This one, emblematic of the species, impresses with its size. Representing almost a third of the total length of the animal, it is square in shape and flattened on the vertical plane. The dorsal fin, often described as a triangular crest, is located at the rear of the mid-back and is followed by two to six small protrusions (or bumps) of decreasing size. The caudal fin is remarkable for its wingspan which can reach 4 meters. The coloring of the sperm whale varies from dark gray to dark bluish gray on the back, while the sides and the ventral side display lighter shades.

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Habitat

Sperm whales are among the most cosmopolitan cetaceans, found in all the world's oceans. Mainly pelagic, they favor areas where the water depth exceeds 1000 meters. They are frequently observed in submarine canyons, abyssal plateaus or near continental slopes.

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Diet

The sperm whale is primarily teutophagous, feeding almost exclusively on cephalopods, particularly squid measuring between 20 cm and 1 meter long. However, its diet may include other prey such as sharks, rays and deep-sea fish. The sperm whale hunts by carrying out spectacular dives, which can reach a depth of 600 meters and last 45 minutes. However, it is capable of descending up to 3000 meters and remaining submerged for more than an hour. After these intense dives, it comes to the surface to breathe and recover for several minutes before diving again. An adult sperm whale consumes on average nearly 3% of its body weight per day.

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Behavior

The social behavior of the sperm whale is complex and varied. Some individuals, especially old males, live solitary, while others form social groups of 10 to 50 individuals. These groups are subdivided into two main categories: bachelor groups, made up of young males and adults, and breeding groups, made up of females and their offspring. Sperm whales exhibit a complex social structure, organized into distinct clans, which are characterized by unique vocal dialects and specific social behaviors. These clans, which can include thousands of individuals spread over large areas, are formed around these breeding groups. This social system, although similar to that of human ethnic groups, does not rely on tools or language.

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The sperm whale also demonstrates cooperation and altruism. In the event of a threat, it can group together to protect vulnerable individuals, bring help to its peers or defend the young people of the group.