Since it is possible to sight the sperm whale all year round in the Azores, it has quickly become one of the most emblematic animals of the archipelago. It is no coincidence that this mammal has the largest brain of any known living species on Earth.
Description
The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is, first of all, characterized by the size and distinctive shape of its head, which is about 1/3 of its total length and 35% of its body surface. Unlike some other known cetacean species, the sperm whale differs in having teeth, instead of the so-called “beards” seen, for example, in the Blue Whale.
The blowhole of the sperm whale is located near the front of its head, allowing it to emerge slightly from the surface.
Its dentification arouses some curiosity, as it is not sure why it exists. This is because the stomach contents of the sperm whale show whole prey, thus implying little importance in the existence of teeth in this species. However, on the heads of males, scars and marks caused by other males’ teeth are often seen.
Typically the male sperm whale reaches 18 meters in length and the female reaches 12 meters. The male sperm whale can weigh up to 68,000 kg while the female reaches only 20,000 kg.
The disparity in size and weight between male and female sperm whales is due to their sexual dysmorphia. That is, the occurrence of different physical characteristics between male and female individuals. This phenomenon can be verified (or not) throughout the animal kingdom, such as the mane of a lion and the absence of mane in lionesses. Thus, the sperm whale is one of the most sexually dimorphic cetaceans.
Another factor that characterizes the sperm whale is spermaceti, a whitish-colored waxy substance typically used in the production of candles that do not release smoke or odor, lubricant for delicate high-altitude instruments, and several other important uses, hence its aggressive hunting until the late twentieth century.
Behavior
The sperm whale is the mammal capable of diving to the greatest depths. They are believed to be capable of reaching depths of 3,000 meters.
Their diet consists of a wide variety of marine animals, with a special preference for giant squid. Much of the knowledge of deep-sea squid has been gained by examining stomachs of sperm whales. This mammal can consume as much as 140 pounds of octopus and squid per day.
The sperm whale is a very social animal and tends to form groups, which are composed of adult females and young. Young males form groups with other male sperm whales, and later abandon them in search of females.
© SIARAM/JFontes©ImagDOP/UAz
Conservation Status
Due to its behavior, monitoring the sperm whale is extremely difficult, resulting in inaccurate estimates regarding the numbers that make up this species.
Despite having been a continuous focus of human hunting for several years, its conservation status is better than many other whale species. However, human influence continues to pose a threat to the conservation of this species, and pollution is an especially serious problem, not only from waste, but also noise pollution. This is because the sperm whale relies heavily on sound to find social groups and partners.
While the male sperm whale has no natural predators, the female sperm whale and her young are vulnerable to attacks by orcas.
