Sperm Whales roam the deep oceans as the largest toothed predators on Earth. They captivated sailors for centuries and inspired the story of Moby Dick. Furthermore, these intelligent giants possess biological superpowers that allow them to dive deeper than almost any other mammal. They remain one of the most mysterious creatures in the sea. Explore these fascinating details about the real-life leviathans.
Sperm Whale
They produce the loudest sound on Earth. Their clicks reach 230 decibels, which is louder than a jet engine at takeoff.
Interestingly, they sleep vertically in the water. Pods drift upright like massive logs to take short, synchronized power naps.
They possess the largest brain of any animal. Consequently, their brains are five times heavier than a human brain.
Whalers named them after the waxy oil in their heads. Mistakenly, sailors thought this “spermaceti” fluid was actual sperm.
They battle giant squid in the deep ocean. Often, adults bear circular scars on their faces from the squid’s sucker rings.
Surprisingly, their vomit is worth millions. Perfumers prize this substance, called “ambergris,” because it helps scents stay on human skin.
They can hold their breath for 90 minutes. Therefore, they dive thousands of feet deep to hunt their hidden prey.
Uniquely, their blowhole sits on the left side of their head. This creates a distinctive spray that angles forward and left.
They only have teeth on their bottom jaw. However, these cone-shaped teeth can grow up to eight inches long.
Their skin looks like a prune. Unlike smooth dolphins, sperm whales have wrinkly skin to increase their surface area.
Moby Dick was based on a real whale. Herman Melville dedicated his book to an actual albino bull named “Mocha Dick.”
Their ribs collapse under pressure. This biological adaptation allows them to survive the crushing weight of the deep ocean water.
Grandmothers often babysit the calves. While mothers dive deep to hunt, older females protect the young at the surface.
Males grow much larger than females. In fact, a bull can weigh three times more than a female cow.
Finally, they fertilize the ocean with their poop. Their iron-rich waste helps plankton grow, which actually helps combat climate change.
