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sperm whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Vulnerable ?
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
70 years
Length
16.0 m
Weight
45.0 t
Population
300.0K
Trend
? Unknown
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About

地球上最大の歯を持つ捕食者であるマッコウクジラは最大20メートルに達し、ダイオウイカを追いかけて最大90分間2,000メートル以上の深さに潜水する。巨大な四角い頭部には、コミュニケーションと獲物の検知に使用される強力な音波探知クリック音を集中させる鯨蝋器官がある。すべての深海で見られるマッコウクジラは、18〜19世紀に鯨蝋油のために大規模に捕獲された。

Fun Facts

  • They can dive to depths of over 2,000 meters.
  • Sperm whales produce ambergris, once worth more than gold.
  • They sleep vertically.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in diverse ecosystems where prey species are available.

Widely distributed across Asia (Taiwan), Europe (4 countries), and South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Diet & Behavior

🥩
Carnivore
sperm whale is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore
Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

VU Vulnerable
Estimated Population
300.0K
Population Trend
? Unknown

Names in Other Languages

Chinese 抹香鯨
Spanish Ballena Esperma
French Cachalot
Portuguese Cachalote
Arabic عنبر (anbar)
Turkish Kaşalot

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of sperm whale?
The scientific name of sperm whale is Physeter macrocephalus. It belongs to the genus Physeter.
What is the conservation status of sperm whale?
sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is unknown.
Where does sperm whale live?
sperm whale is found in Widely distributed across Asia (Taiwan), Europe (4 countries), and South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, Venezuela.
What family does sperm whale belong to?
sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) belongs to the genus Physeter, which is part of the taxonomic family Physeteridae.
What does sperm whale eat?
sperm whale is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.
How long does sperm whale live?
sperm whale has an average lifespan of approximately 70 years in the wild.
How many sperm whale are left in the wild?
The estimated wild population of sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is approximately 300,000 individuals.
Is sperm whale endangered?
Yes, sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.

Native Range — 8 Countries

Genus Physeter — 1 Species

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sperm whale
Physeter macrocephalus
VU

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