Sperm Whale
| Species | Region | Water Type |
|---|---|---|
| Physeter macrocephalus | Worldwide | Salt |
The largest (85-90' long; 40' in circumference; 90 tons) farthest ranging and deepest diving of whale types; distinguished by anvil-shaped skull, which contains especially valuable spermacetti oil. Has single, forward-slanting spout. Secretes ambergris, a valuable by-product of its diet of squid. Masticates with row of 42 bottom teeth. First hunted by Nantucket whalers (Coffins/Macys)in 1720s. Melville's Moby-Dick was a sperm whale.
Sources
Robert A. McCaugheyImages
Public Domain Source
Related marinelife
WhaleCompiler
Peter Richards