Sperm whale
It feeds on squid, octopi and fish.
Up to 15 m long and 45 tons in weight (males), 10 m long and 15 tons in weight (females).
Up to 70 years.
Endangered (NECCA, 2024)
The sperm whale is a marine mammal, classified as a toothed whale (as it has teeth). It is the third largest animal on the planet, and the third deepest diving mammal, with dives that can last up to 1.5 hours. It is quite interesting that while female sperm whales form social groups with other females and their young, mature males live alone.
External features
Its body is dark grey in color. Its head occupies up to ⅓ of the body’s total length. Its blowhole is located at the front end of its snout, shifted to the left side, and consists of a single nostril.
Habitat
It prefers areas where the sea deepens quickly, and the ocean bottom relief is intense. The most important habitat for sperm whales in the entire Mediterranean is the Hellenic Trench, i.e. the arc extending from the Ionian Sea to Rhodes. In Greece it is also present in the Myrtoan Sea and in other areas of great depth in the Aegean Sea.
Population in Greece
Less than 200 individuals.
Fun Fact!
It is known for having the largest brain ever recorded in the animal kingdom, with an average weight of 8 kg (the human brain weighs less than 1.5 kg).