Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm Whale

11–18 meter
60–70 jaar
Bedreigd
Over

Sperm Whale

The sperm whale is the largest toothed predator on Earth and the deepest diving mammal, capable of reaching depths over 2,000 metres. Made famous by Melville's Moby Dick, these magnificent creatures possess the largest brain of any animal and communicate using powerful clicks that can be heard for kilometres. The Azores are one of the world's premier locations for sperm whale encounters.

Grootte

11–18 meter (mannetjes groter)

Gewicht

20,000–57,000 kg

Levensduur

60–70 jaar

Status

Bedreigd

Waar je ze kunt vinden

Beste duiklocaties

Azoren, PortugalDominica, CaribbeanSri LankaKaikoura, Nieuw-ZeelandNoorwegenGalápagos

Duiktips

In-water encounters are typically snorkelling only and heavily regulated. Never approach from the front. Let the whale control the interaction. Their echolocation clicks can be physically felt underwater — a truly extraordinary experience.

Beste seizoen

Year-round in the Azores (resident population), peak April–October

Leefgebied

Deep oceanic waters worldwide, particularly near submarine canyons and continental slopes

Voeding

Giant squid, deep-sea fish, and octopus — can consume up to 900 kg per day
Wist je dat?

Leuke weetjes

1

Sperm whales can dive to over 2,000 metres and hold their breath for 90 minutes

2

Their clicks at 230 decibels are the loudest sound produced by any animal

3

The spermaceti organ in their head was once harvested for lamp oil and lubricants

4

They sleep vertically, bobbing at the surface in groups — a behaviour called 'logging'

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