The sperm whale or cachalot is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator. It is the only living member of the genus Physeter and one of three extant species in the sperm whale family, along with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale of the genus Kogia.
Mass: 90,000 lbs (Male, Adult), 31,000 lbs (Female, Adult)
Gestation period: 14 – 16 months
Conservation status: Vulnerable
Scientific name: Physeter macrocephalus
Length: 52 ft. (Adult)
Max length: 52 feet
Family: Physeteridae
Sperm whales are among the most cosmopolitan species. They prefer ice-free waters over 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) deep. They are relatively abundant from the poles to the equator and are found in all the oceans. Although Sperm whales are usually found in deep, off-shore waters, they may also be seen closer to shore, in areas where the continental shelf is small and drops quickly to depths of 310 to 920 meters (1,020 to 3,020 ft). Grown males may even enter surprisingly shallow bays to rest (whales will be in a state of rest during these occasions). There are unique, coastal groups reported from various areas around the globe such as near Scotland's coastal waters, and Shiretoko Peninsula, off Kaikoura, in the Davao Gulf.