For several years now, we recognize one of the two sperm whales in the photo from the big part missing from its tail.
The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale in the world, with females measuring 8 – 12 meters and males 16 – 18 meters and weighing 24 and 57 tons respectively. It has a lifespan of fewer than 70 years. The species’ population in the Mediterranean Sea is smaller than 2,500 mature individuals.
Distinctive characteristics:
The sperm whale is easily recognized by its large, trunk-shaped square head. The dorsal fin is triangular in shape, and the blowhole is situated on the left side of the dorsal area.
Habitat:
Migratory pelagic (i.e. normally found in offshore waters) species, especially along the continental slope. When diving for their main food source (cephalopods), sperm whales reach between 300 and 3,000 meters deep and stay underwater for 20-50 minutes.
Main threats:
Ship strikes, noise and chemical pollution, by-catch.
