Sperm Whale

The sperm whale is the largest of the toothed whales, found in deep oceans worldwide, recognized by its enormous block-shaped head, which houses the largest brain of any animal on Earth and a waxy substance called spermaceti once heavily sought by commercial whalers. Sperm whales are extraordinary divers, capable of descending over a thousand metres and remaining submerged for more than an hour while hunting deep-sea prey, especially squid, including giant squid, using powerful biological sonar to locate prey in total darkness. They live in social groups led by females, while adult males often roam more solitary lives at higher latitudes. Though reduced significantly by twentieth-century whaling, sperm whale numbers have partially recovered, and the species is classified as vulnerable.