Sperm Whale
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{{Taxobox
| name = Sperm whale
| status = VU
| status_system = iucn3.1
| status_ref =<ref>{{IUCN2006|assessors=Cetacean Specialist Group|year=1996|id=41755|title=Physeter macrocephalus|downloaded=6 May 2006}} Database entry includes a lengthy justification of why this species is vulnerable </ref>
| image = sperm whale1b.jpg
| image_caption = ''Scarred Giant'' (detail)— Artist: [http://www.velvetgreencreations.com/index.php?page=Marine_Life_Art&list=0&item=1194396073&archive=0 Chris Harman]
| image2 = Sperm_whale_size.svg
| image2_caption = Size comparison against an average human
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
| ordo = [[Cetacea]]
| subordo = [[Odontoceti]]
| familia = [[Physeteridae]]
| genus = '''''Physeter'''''
| species = '''''P. catodon'''''
| binomial = ''Physeter catodon''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758
| synonyms =
'''''P. macrocephalus''''' <small>[[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758</small>
| range_map = cetacea range map Sperm Whale 4.PNG
| range_map_caption= Sperm whale range (in blue)
}}
The '''sperm whale''' ('''''Physeter catodon''''') is the largest of all [[toothed whale]]s, making them the Earth's largest living [[carnivore]] and largest living toothed animal. The whale was named after the milky-white waxy substance, [[spermaceti]], found in its head and originally mistaken for [[sperm]]. It has a [[cosmopolitan distribution]] across the world's oceans. The species feeds on [[squid]] and [[fish]], diving as deep as {{convert|2200|m|ft}} in order to obtain its prey, making it the deepest diving mammal in the world. Pods of females and young live separately from older males. Sperm whales live for 50 years and possibly more.
The sperm whale's enormous head and distinctive shape, as well as its central role in [[Herman Melville]]'s ''[[Moby-Dick]]'', have led many to describe it as the [[archetype|archetypal]] whale. Partly because of Melville, the sperm whale is commonly associated with the [[Leviathan]] of the Bible. The fearsome reputation perpetuated by Melville was based on bull whales' ability to fiercely defend themselves from attacks by early whalers, sometimes resulting in the destruction of the whaling ships. Historically the sperm whale has also been known as the '''common cachalot'''. The word ''cachalot'' is originally [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] (''cachalote''), probably coming from ''cachola'', a colloquial term for ''head''. Sperm whales were commercially [[whaling|hunted]] until recently, declined as a consequence of over-harvesting, and are currently listed as [[vulnerable]] by the [[International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources|IUCN]].
== Description ==
[[Image:Sperm Whale's head anatomy.JPG|thumb|200px|left|Head anatomy]]
Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales, with adult males measuring up to {{convert|20.5|m|ft|lk=on}} long.<ref name=marinebio>[http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=190 ''Physeter catodon'', Sperm Whale] at [http://marinebio.org/ marinebio.org]</ref> Their distinctive shape comes from their very large head, particularly in males, which is typically one-third of the animal's length. In contrast to the smooth skin of most other large whales, the skin on the back of the sperm whale is usually knobbly and has been likened to a [[prune (fruit)|prune]] by whale-watching enthusiasts.<ref name="prune">{{cite book | author=Mark Carwardine | title=On the Trail of the Whale | publisher=Chapter 1. Thunder Bay Publishing Co | year=1994 | id=ISBN 1-899074-00-7}}</ref> They are uniformly grey in colour, though they may appear brown in sunlight; white [[albino]] whales have also been reported. The [[brain]] of the sperm whale is the [[largest body part|largest and heaviest]] known of any modern or extinct animal (weighing on average {{convert|7|kg|lb|lk=on}} in a grown male).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/CITE/whalesperm.htm|title=Facts about the sperm whale|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref> However, the brain proportionately weighs less than half the brain size of a [[human]] when body size is factored.
The [[blowhole (biology)|blowhole]] is situated very close to the front of the head and shifted to the whale's left. This gives rise to a distinctive bushy blow angled forward.
The sperm whale has no true [[dorsal fin]], instead a series of ridges are present on the caudal third of the back. The largest was called the 'hump' by whalers and is commonly mistaken for a [[dorsal fin]] because of its shape.
[[Image:Sperm whale fluke.jpg|left|frame|The flukes of a sperm whale as it dives into the [[Gulf of Mexico]] (courtesy NMFS)]]
The [[:wiktionary:fluke|fluke]] is also triangular and very thick. Flukes are lifted very high out of the water before a whale begins a deep dive.
Sperm whales have 20–26 pairs of cone-shaped [[teeth]] in their lower jaw, each 8–20 [[centimetre|cm]] (3–8 [[Inch|in]]) long.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acsonline.org/factpack/spermwhl.htm|title=American Cetacean Society Fact Sheet|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref> Each tooth can weigh as much as one kilogram. The reason for the existence of the teeth is not known with certainty. It is believed that they are not necessary for feeding on squid and indeed healthy well-fed sperm whales have been found in the wild without teeth. The current scientific consensus is that the teeth may be used for aggression between males of the same species. This hypothesis is consistent with the conic shape and wide spacing of the teeth.<ref>[http://www.whale-images.com/sperm_whale_facts.jsp Sperm Whale Facts]. Retrieved [[December 26]], [[2007]].</ref> Furthermore bull sperm whales often show scars which seem to be caused by the teeth of other bulls. Rudimentary teeth are also present in the upper jaw, but these rarely open into the mouth.
Sperm whales are amongst the most [[sexual dimorphism|sexually dimorphic]] (that is, males and females differ greatly) of all [[cetacean]]s. Males are typically 30% to 50% longer (16-18 m, 52–59 ft) than females (12-14 m, 39–46 ft) and are twice as massive (50 000 kg vs. 25 000 kg, 55 [[short ton]]s vs 27.5 short tons). At birth both males and females are about 4 m (13 ft) in length and mass of 1 000 kg (1 tonne).
The largest bull sperm whale verified and accurately measured was 20.5 m (67.9 ft) and 80 tonnes (88 tons).<ref>Wood, The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats. Sterling Pub Co Inc (1983), ISBN 978-0851122359</ref> However, there is evidence of much larger bulls than this. Owing to extensive whaling, sperm whale size may have decreased dramatically, as males were heavily exploited during the modern era, primarily after [[World War II]]. In a Nantucket museum there is a jawbone of a sperm whale which is 5.5 m (18 ft). The jawbone makes up to 20%-25% of the sperm whale's overall body length. Thus this whale might have been at most 28 m (90 ft) long, a mass of around 133 [[metric ton]]s (150 short tons). Further evidence of larger bulls in the past resides in New Bedford museum, a 5.2 metres (17 ft) jaw of a bull that could have been about 25.6 metres (84 ft) long, with a maximum mass of about 120 tons. In addition, logbooks found in the Nantucket and New Bedford museums are filled with references to bulls that were, considering the amount of oil they yielded, about the same size as these two examples- although whalers were notorious for exaggerating the yield of oil and length of whales they caught. Today, sperm whale males do not usually exceed 18 m (60 ft) in length and 52 metric tons (57 short tons). The largest sperm whales observed are comparable in size to the [[fin whale]] (and smaller than [[blue whale]]s), making the sperm whale either the second or third largest animal species alive.
=== Spermaceti ===
{{main|Spermaceti}}
[[Spermaceti]] is the semiliquid, waxy substance found in the head of the sperm whale. The name derives from the late Latin ''sperma ceti'' (both words actually loaned from Greek) meaning "sperm of the whale" (strictly, "sperm of the sea monster"). The common name for the species is actually an [[apocopation]] of Spermaceti Whale. Early whalers mistook the substance for the whale's semen. Spermaceti is found in the ''spermaceti organ'' or ''case'' in front of and above the skull of the whale and also in the so-called ''junk'' which is right at the front of the whale's head just above the upper jaw. The case consists of a soft white, waxy substance saturated with spermaceti. The junk is a more solid substance.
One function of the spermaceti organs is a [[buoyancy]] or diving organ. Before diving, cold water is brought through the organ and the wax is solidified. The increase in specific density generates a down force (approx 40 kg equiv) and allows the whale effortless sinking. During the chase in deep levels (max 3,000m) the stored oxygen is consumed and excess heat melts the spermaceti. Now only hydrodynamic forces (by swimming) keep the whale down before effortlessly surfacing.
Hypotheses on further functions exist: One incidentally discussed in ''Moby-Dick'' by Melville, is that the case evolved as a kind of battering ram for use in fights between males.<ref name="battering">{{cite web|url=http://autodax.net/Carrieretal2002.pdf|title=Spermaceti as battering ram?|format=PDF|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref> This hypothesis is consistent with the well-documented sinking of the ships ''[[Whaleship Essex|Essex]]'' and ''[[Ann Alexander (ship)|Ann Alexander]]'' due to attacks by sperm whales estimated to weigh only one-fifth as much as the ships.
Another possibility is that the case is used as an aid to [[Animal echolocation|echolocation]] (see [[Melon (whale)|melon]]). The shape of the organ at any given time is likely to focus or widen the beam of emitted [[sound]].<ref name="cranford">[http://www.spermwhale.org/SDSU/cranford.html spermwhale.org] - Cranford</ref> The sperm whale actually has two nostrils — one external nostril, forming the blow hole, and one internal nostril pressing against the bag-like spermaceti container.
Spermaceti was much sought after by 18th, 19th and 20th century [[whaling|whalers]]. The substance found a variety of commercial applications, such as watch oil, automatic transmission fluid, lubricant for photographic lenses and delicate high-altitude instruments, [[cosmetics]], additives in motor oils, [[glycerine]], rust-proofing compounds, [[detergent]], chemical fibres, [[vitamins]] and 70 or more pharmaceutical compounds.
==Distribution==
The Sperm Whale is among the most [[cosmopolitan species]] in the world, and is found in all the oceans and the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. The species is relatively abundant from Arctic waters to the equator. Populations are more dense close to [[continental shelf|continental shelves]] and canyons, probably because of easier feeding. Sperm Whales are usually found in deep off-shore waters, but may be seen closer to shore in areas where the continental shelf is small, such as off the [[Azores]] or the [[Caribbean]] island of [[Dominica]].
== Ecology, behaviour and life history ==
Sperm whales are a prime example of a species that has been [[r/K selection theory|K-selected]], a [[reproductive strategy]] associated with very stable environmental conditions that is characterized by a low birth rate, significant parental aid to offspring, slow maturation and high longevity. Females give birth once every four to six years, and the gestation period is at least 12 months and possibly as long as 18 months. [[Breastfeeding|Nursing]] takes place for two to three years. In males, [[puberty]] lasts for about ten years between the ages of about 10 and 20. Males continue to grow into their 30s and 40s and only reach their full size when about 50 years old. Sperm whales live for up to 80 years.
The social structure of the sperm whales species divides on sexual lines. Females are extremely social animals. Females stay in groups of about a dozen individuals and their young. Males leave these "nursery schools" at somewhere between 4 and 21 years of age and join a "bachelor school" with other males of a similar age and size. As males grow older, they tend to disperse into smaller groups, and the oldest males typically live solitary lives. Yet mature males have been stranded on beaches together, suggesting a degree of co-operation not yet fully understood.
The only predator that attacks sperm whales, besides human beings, is the [[Orca]].<ref>Pitman, RL; Ballance, LT; Mesnick, SI; Chivers, SJ (2001) "Killer whale predation on sperm whales: Observations and implications" ''Marine Mammal Science'' '''17'''(3): 494-507 [http://md1.csa.com/partners/viewrecord.php?requester=gs&collection=ENV&recid=5136745&q=&uid=788845644&setcookie=yes Abstract]</ref> Large, roving pods of Orcas frequently target groups of females with young, usually trying to separate the sperm whale calf and kill it.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} Often, the female sperm whales can repel these attacks by forming a circle with their calves in the centre and then violently thrashing their tail flukes, so that no Orca can penetrate the formation. If the Orca pod is extremely large, they may sometimes also kill adult females. Large bull sperm whales have no non-human predators, as even Orcas could be killed by these aggressive, powerful creatures.
=== Feeding ===
[[Image:A piece of sperm whale skin with Giant Squid sucker scars.JPG|thumb|200px|A piece of sperm whale skin with giant squid sucker scars]]
Sperm whales feed on several species, notably [[giant squid]], krill, [[octopus]], and diverse fish like [[demersal zone|demersal]] [[batoidea|ray]]s, but the main part of their diet consists of medium sized [[squid]]. Most of what is known about deep sea squid has been learned from specimens found in captured sperm whale stomachs, although more recent studies have analysed [[fecal]] matter instead. One study, carried out around the [[Galápagos]], found that squid from the genera ''[[Histioteutbis]]'' (62%), ''[[Ancistrocbeirus]]'' (16%), and ''[[Octopoteutbis]]'' (7%) were the most commonly taken,<ref>Smith S., &Whitehead (2000) The Diet of Galapagos sperm whales ''Physeter macrocephalus'' as indicated by fecal sample analysis" ''Marine Mammal Science'' '''16''' (2) , 315–325 doi:10.1111/j.1748-7692.2000.tb00927.x </ref> and that most squid were between 12-650 kg in weight. An older study, examining the contents of whales captured by the New Zealand whaling fleet in the [[Cook Strait]] region, found a 1.69:1 ratio of squid to fish by weight.<ref>GaskinD. & Cawthorn M. (1966) "Diet and feeding habits of the sperm whale (''Physeter macrocephalus'' L.) in the Cook Strait region of New Zealand" ''New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research'' '''2''': 156-79 [http://www.rsnz.org/publish/nzjmfr/1967/15.pdf] </ref> Stealing of Sablefish and Toothfish from long lines has been documented and well known also (see below). Battles between sperm whales and [[colossal squid]] (which have been measured to weigh nearly 500 kg) have never been observed by humans, however white scars on the bodies of sperm whales are believed to be caused by squid. In one case three Sperm Whales were observed attacking or playing with a [[megamouth shark]], a rare and large deep-sea species only discovered by man in the 1970s.<ref>Compagno, L. J. V., (2001). Sharks of the world. An annotated and
illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Volume 2. Bullhead, mackerel and carpet sharks (Heterodontiformes, Lamniformes and Orectolobiformes). ''FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes''. '''1''' (2): Rome. Pp. 74-78 [ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/009/x9293e/x9293e00.pdf] </ref>
It is hypothesised that the sharp beak of a consumed squid lodged in the whale's intestine leads to the production of [[ambergris]], analogous to the production of [[pearl]]s.<ref>Dannenfeldt K.H. (1982). "Ambergris: The Search for Its Origin" ''Isis'' '''73'''(3): 382-397. [http://www.jstor.org/view/00211753/ap010218/01a00040/0 abstract] </ref> The irritation of the intestines caused by the beaks stimulates the secretion of this lubricant-like substance. Sperm whales are prodigious feeders and eat around 3% of their [[body weight]] per day. The total annual consumption of prey by sperm whales worldwide is estimated to be about 100 million tons — a figure greater than the total consumption of marine animals by humans each year.<ref>[[Richard Ellis]], ''Monsters of the Sea'', 1994, The Lyons Press, p. 245.</ref>
It is difficult to see why the sperm whale has such a large head in comparison to the lower jaw. One theory explaining this is that the Sperm Whale's ability to [[animal echolocation|echolocate]] through its head aids in hunting. Within the head, it contains a structure called monkey lips, which it blows air through. This can create clicks that have a [[source level]] exceeding 230 dB re 1 [[micropascal]] referenced to a distance of 1 metre.<ref>B. Møhl M. Wahlberg, P. T. Madsen, A. Heerfordt and A. Lund, The monopulsed nature of sperm whale clicks, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 114, 1143-1153 (2003).</ref> It has been hypothesised that these were directed at prey in order to stun them, however experimental studies attempting to duplicate this effect have been unable to replicate the supposed injuries, and have cast doubt on this idea.<ref>Benoit-Bird K. Au W. & Kastelein R. (2006) "Testing the odontocete acoustic prey debilitation hypothesis: No stunning results". '' The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America'' '''120''' (2): 1118-1123 ([http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/servlet/GetabsServlet?prog=normal&id=JASMAN000120000002001118000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=yes Abstract])</ref>
[[Long-line fishing]] operations in the [[Gulf of Alaska]] have complained that numerous sperm whales have taken advantage of their fishing operations to eat desirable species straight off the line, sparing the whales the need to hunt them themselves. However, the amount of fish taken is very little compared to what the sperm whale needs per day. New video footage has been captured of a large male sperm whale "bouncing" a long line, to gain the fish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/archives/05-06/mar18.html#3|title=Whale Buffet|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref>
=== Diving and breathing ===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=July 2008}}
Sperm whales, along with [[bottlenose whale]]s and [[elephant seal]]s, are the deepest-diving mammals in the world. Sperm whales are believed to be able to dive up to 3 km (1.9 miles) in depth and 90 minutes in duration to the ocean floor. More typical dives are around 400 m (437 yards) in depth and 30–45 minutes' duration and generally move in a northerly direction. They carry three tonnes of blood which holds enough oxygen to help it achieve its diving depth.
The physiology of the sperm whale has several adaptations to cope with drastic changes in pressure when diving. The [[ribcage]] is flexible to allow lung collapse, and the heart rate can decrease to preserve [[oxygen]] supplies. [[Myoglobin]] stores oxygen in muscle tissue. [[Blood]] can be directed towards the brain and other essential organs only, when oxygen levels deplete. The spermaceti organ may also play a role (see above).
Because of the great depths to which they dive, sperm whales sometimes drown when entangled in [[Submarine communications cable|transoceanic telephone cables]].<ref>The Southwestern Company: "The Volume Library 1", page 65, 1987, ISBN 0-87197-208-5</ref>
While sperm whales are well adapted to diving, repeated dives to great depths do have long term effects on the whales. Skeletons of sperm whales show pitting of the bones that is often a sign of [[decompression sickness]] in humans. Skeletons of the oldest whales showed the most extensive pitting, whereas skeletons of sperm whale calves showed no damage. This damage may indicate that sperm whales are susceptible to decompression sickness, and sudden surfacing could be lethal to them.<ref name="bends">{{cite journal | author=Moore MJ, Early GA | title=Cumulative sperm whale bone damage and the bends | journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] | volume=306 | issue=5705 | year=2004 | pages=2215 | pmid=15618509 | doi=10.1126/science.1105452}}</ref>
Between dives, the sperm whale will come up to the surface for breath and remain more or less still for eight to ten minutes before diving again. Odontoceti (toothed whales) breathe air at the surface of the water through a single, s-shaped blowhole. The blowhole is located on the left side of the front of the head. Sperm whales spout (breathe) 3–5 times per minute at rest, but the rate increases to 6–7 times per minute after a dive. The blow is a noisy, single stream that rises up to 15 m (50 ft) above the surface of the water and points forward and to the left of the whale at a 45° angle.
== Taxonomy and naming ==
The sperm whale is one of the many species originally described by [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]] in 1758 in his 18th century work, ''[[Systema Naturae]]''; he recognised four species in the genus ''Physeter''.<ref>{{la icon}} {{cite book | last=Linnaeus | first=C | authorlink=Carolus Linnaeus | title=Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata. | publisher=Holmiae. (Laurentii Salvii). | date=1758| pages=824 | url= }}</ref> Experts soon realised that just one such species exists, although its correct name is a matter of dispute (see below), with some workers using the name ''Physeter catodon'' (e.g. see this [http://scholar.google.com.au/scholar?q=physeter+catodon Google Scholar search]) but others using ''Physeter macrocephalus'' (as per [http://scholar.google.com.au/scholar?q=physeter+macrocephalus this search]).
The sperm whale is the sole extant species of its genus, ''[[Physeter]]'', which is placed in the family [[Physeteridae]]. Two species of the related extant genus ''[[Kogia]]'', the [[pygmy sperm whale]] ''Kogia breviceps'' and the [[dwarf sperm whale]] ''K. simus'', are sometimes also placed in this family, but more often in their own family, [[Kogiidae]].
The correct scientific name for the sperm whale is currently unclear. Until 1974 the species was generally known as ''P. catodon'', however in that year Husson & Holthuis<ref>Husson, A.M. & Holthuis, L.B. (1974). ''Physeter macrocephalus'' Linnaeus, 1758, the valid name for the sperm whale. ''Zoologische Mededelingen'' 48: 205-217.</ref> proposed that the correct name should be ''P. macrocephalus'', the second name in the genus ''Physeter'' published by Linnaeus concurrently with ''P. catodon'', on the grounds that the names were synonyms published simultaneously and therefore the ICZN principle of "First Reviser" should apply, in this instance leading to the choice of ''P. macrocephalus'' over ''P. catodon'', a view re-stated in Holthuis, 1987<ref>Holthuis, L. B. (1987). The scientific name of the sperm whale. ''Marine Mammal Science'' 3(1): 87-89.</ref>. This has been adopted by some subsequent authors, however Schevill (1986<ref>Schevill, W.E. (1986). The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and a paradigm: the name ''Physeter catodon'' Linnaeus 1758. ''Marine Mammal Science'' 2(2): 153-157.</ref> and 1987<ref>Schevill, W.E. (1987). Reply to L. B. Holthuis "The scientific name of the sperm whale", ''Marine Mammal Science'' 3(1): 89-90.</ref>) argued that ''macrocephalus'' was published with an inaccurate description and that therefore only the species ''catodon'' was valid, rendering the principle of "First Reviser" inapplicable. At the present time, the name ''P. catodon'' is used in the most high profile species information systems, for example the [http://www.catalogueoflife.org/annual-checklist/show_species_details.php?record_id=3874214 Catalogue of Life] and the [http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=137118 World Register of Marine Species], however some other sources use ''P. macrocephalus'', for example in the [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/41755/all IUCN Red List of Threatened Species] and in various papers and book chapters, e.g. Whitehead, 2002<ref>Whitehead, H. 2002. Sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus. Pp. 1165-1172 in W. F. Perrin, B. Würsig and J. G. M. Thewissen, eds. ''Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals''. Academic Press.</ref>; therefore, to retrieve maximum relevant information, it is currently advisable to search under both names. According to the relevant species page on [http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=180489 ITIS], the Integrated Taxonomic Information System, "Physeter catodon and Physeter macrocephalus are awaiting a ruling regarding their usage by the ICZN [=[[ICZN|International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature]]]".
The following is an extract from [[Herman Melville|Melville's]] [[Moby-Dick]], in which he expatiates about the vernacular naming and common lore surrounding the sperm whale:
{{cquote2|quote=This whale, among the English of old vaguely known as Trumpa whale, and the Physeter whale, and the Anvil Headed whale, is the present Cachalot of the French, the Pottfisch of the Germans, and the Macrocephalus of the Long Words. [[...]] It is chiefly with his name that I now have to do. Philologically considered, it is absurd. Some centuries ago, when the sperm whale was almost wholly unknown in his proper individuality, and when his oil was only accidentally obtained from the stranded fish; in those days spermaceti, it would seem, was popularly supposed to be derived from a creature identical with the one then known in England as the Greenland or [[Right Whale]]. It was the idea also, that this same spermaceti was that quickening humor of the Greenland Whale which the first syllable of the word literally expresses. In those times, also, spermaceti was exceedingly scarce, not being used for light, but only as an ointment and medicament. It was only to be had from the druggists as you nowadays buy an ounce of rhubarb. When, as I opine, in the course of time, the true nature of spermaceti became known, its original name was still retained by the dealers; no doubt to enhance its value by a notion so strangely significant of its scarcity. And so the appellation must at last have come to be bestowed upon the whale from which this spermaceti was really derived.|personquoted=Melville's ''Moby Dick'', Chapter 32, named "Cetology"}}
== Evolution ==
Sperm whales are believed to have diverged from other toothed whales early in the evolution of the suborder—around 30 million years ago<ref>Perrin, W. F., Würsic, B. & Thewissen, J. G. M. eds.: ''Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals''. Academic Press, San Diego. 1414 pp.</ref>, and a number of fossil genera and species have been described from the Late [[Oligocene]] period and beyond<ref>Stucky, R. E. & McKenna, M. C. (1993). Mammalia. Pp. 739-771 in Benton, M. J. ed.: The Fossil Record 2. Chapman & Hall, London.</ref><ref>Mchedlidze. G. A. (2002). Sperm whales, evolution. Pp. 1172-1174 in Perrin, W. F., Würsic, B. & Thewissen, J. G. M. eds.: ''Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals''. Academic Press, San Diego.</ref> (refer main article [[Sperm whale family]]).
== Relationship with humans ==
=== Cultural importance===
The teeth of Sperm Whales, when mounted on rope, are important cultural objects in [[Fiji]], where they are known as [[tabua]]. They were traditionally given as gifts for [[atonement]] or esteem (called ''sevusevu''), and were important in negotiations between rival chiefs.<ref>Arno A. (2005). "Cobo and tabua in Fiji: Two forms of cultural currency in an economy of sentiment". ''American Ethnologist'', '''32'''(1): 46 – 62 [http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=16581746 Abstract]</ref> Today the tabua remains an important item in Fijian life. The teeth were originally rare in Fiji and [[Tonga]] (which exported the teeth), however with the arrival of Europeans the market was flooded with teeth, so many that it collapsed. The oversupply led in turn to the development of the European art of [[scrimshaw]].<ref>Perrin, W. (2002) ''Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals'', Academic Press, ISBN 0-12-551340-2 </ref>
The sperm whale is also the [[list of U.S. state mammals|state animal]] of [[Connecticut]].
[[Image:SpermWhaleLyd3.jpg|thumb|Skeleton of a sperm whale]]
=== Population and hunting ===
{{seealso|Whaling}}
The number of sperm whales throughout the world is unknown. Crude estimates, obtained by surveying small areas and extrapolating the result to all the world's oceans, range from 200,000 to 2,000,000 individuals. Although the sperm whale was hunted for several centuries for its meat, oil and spermaceti, the conservational outlook for sperm whales is brighter than that for many other whales. Although a small-scale coastal fishery still occurs in Indonesia, they are protected practically worldwide. Fishermen do not catch the deep-sea creatures that sperm whales eat, and the deep sea is likely to be more resistant to pollution than surface layers.
In 1820, a sperm whale claimed to be about 25.9 m (85 ft) long attacked the [[Nantucket]] whaleship [[Whaleship Essex|''Essex'']]. Only 8 out of the 20 sailors managed to survive and be rescued by other ships.
However, the recovery from the whaling years is a slow process, particularly in the [[South Pacific Ocean|South Pacific]], where the toll on males of a breeding age was severe.
=== Watching sperm whales ===
{{seealso|Whale watching}}
Sperm whales are not the easiest of whales to [[whale watching|watch]], due to their long dive times and ability to travel long distances underwater. However, due to the distinctive look and large size of the whale, watching is increasingly popular. Sperm whale watchers often use [[hydrophone]]s to listen to the clicks of the whales and locate them before they surface. Popular locations for sperm whale watching include the picturesque [[Kaikoura]] on [[New Zealand]]'s [[South Island]], where the continental shelf is so narrow that whales can be observed from the shore, [[Andenes]] and [[Tromsø]] in Arctic [[Norway]] and at the [[Azores]] where it can be seen throughout the year as opposed to other whales that are only seen during migration. [[Dominica]] is believed to be the only Caribbean island with a year-round residential pod of females and calves.
=== In the news ===
[[Image:Sperm Whale.jpg|thumb|right|Female in Dominican Pod, 2005]]
In July 2003 a huge blob of white flesh was found washed up on a beach on the coast of southern [[Chile]]. The 12-metre (40 ft) long mass of gelatinous tissue<ref name="gelatinous">{{cite web|url=http://zapatopi.net/cephnews/chileanblob.html|title=ZPi Cephalopod News: a blob 12 m long, 5.8 m wide, 1.6 m high was found near Puerto Montt in Los Muermos, Chile|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref> gave rise to speculation that a previously unknown giant [[octopus]] had been discovered. However, researchers at the [[Museum of Natural History]], [[Santiago de Chile|Santiago]] concluded that the mass was in fact the innards of a sperm whale, a conclusion drawn by looking at the [[dermal gland]]s. When a sperm whale dies, its internal organs rot, until the animal becomes little more than a semi-liquid mass trapped inside the skin. Eventually, the skin will burst, causing the internal mass to float free and possibly wash up on the beach.<ref name="chileanbeach">{{cite web|url=http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/01/040122083507.htm|title=Unravelling the mystery of the white mass on the Chilean beach|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref>
Dead sperm whales float towards shore quite often. Apart from the disposal issues identified above, beach managers fear that [[shark]]s, in particular the [[great white shark]], will be attracted towards the beach by the rotting flesh, and potentially cause danger to beach users. For this reason, dead sperm whales are often towed out to sea before they become properly beached. This occurred twice in May 2004, once off [[Oahu]] in [[Hawaii]] where a dead whale was towed out {{convert|35|mi|km}} to sea but floated back to shore two days later.<ref name="washedup">{{cite web|url=http://www.kpua.net/news.php?id=2148|title=Whale washed-up in Oahu|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref>
==== Exploding whales ====
{{main|Exploding whales}}
Perhaps the most famous piece of sperm whale lore dates from 1970, when a long-dead, 8 [[short ton]] (7.25 [[tonne]]), 45 foot (13.7 m) long specimen came to a beach in [[Oregon]]. For a time, it was a curiosity to local residents. As the beach is public [[easement|right-of-way]], it was the duty of the Oregon Department of Transportation to dispose of it. They filled the animal with a half-ton of [[dynamite]]. On Thursday, [[November 12]], the [[exploding whale|dynamite was set off]], but the blast did not go toward the Pacific as planned. No one was hurt, but a car was crushed by falling blubber. Onlookers were covered with noxious-smelling bits of dead whale.<ref name="Oregon">{{cite web|url=http://www.snopes.com/critters/disposal/whale.htm|title=On Oregon's exploding whale|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref><ref name="film">{{cite web|url=http://www.perp.com/whale/|title=Film of Oregon's exploding whale|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref>
January 2004 saw a more dramatic entry of the sperm whale into the global media spotlight. A dead specimen of the whale, 17 metres long and weighing 50 tonnes, had washed up on a local beach in [[Tainan City]], [[Taiwan]]. On being transported to a university in the city, gas pressure from decomposition built up inside the body, causing an explosion. Nobody was hurt, but blood and entrails were spread over several cars and surrounding pedestrians.<ref name="exploding">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4096586/|title=Account from MSNBC|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref>
==== Accidents====
In March 2007, a Japanese fisherman drowned after his boat was capsized by a panicked sperm whale he was trying to rescue. The whale had wandered into the relatively shallow waters in a bay in [[Shikoku]].<ref name="YahooNews20070313">{{cite news | title =Whale kills would-be rescuer in Japan | work = Reuters | language =English | publisher = Reuters | date =[[2007-03-13]] | url =http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUST3442220070313 }}</ref>
== Bibliography ==
{{cetaceaportal}}
<div class="references-small">
* {{cite book | author=Carwardine, Hoyt, Fordyce & Gill | title=Whales & Dolphins: The Ultimate Guide to Marine Mammals | location=London | publisher=HarperCollins | year=1998 | id=ISBN 0-00-220105-4}}
* {{cite book | author=Randall R. Reeves ... ''et al.'' | title=Guide to marine mammals of the world / National Audubon Society | location=New York | publisher=A.A. Knopf: Distributed by Random House | year=2002 | id=ISBN 0-375-41141-0}}
* {{cite book | author=William F. Perrin, Bernd Würsig, J.G.M. Thewissen (Eds.) | title=Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals | location=San Diego, Calif. | publisher=Academic Press | year=2002 | id=ISBN 0-12-551340-2}}
* [http://www.candlecomfort.com/historyofcandles.html Spermaceti in candles] [[July 22]], [[2007]]
* [http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/98/13/7384 Retroposon analysis of major cetacean lineages: The monophyly of toothed whales and the paraphyly of river dolphins] [[June 19]], [[2001]]</div>
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
== External links ==
{{commons|Physeter macrocephalus}}
{{wikispecies|Physeter macrocephalus}}
* [http://web.archive.org/web/www.70south.com/resources/antarctic-animals/whales 70South - information on the sperm whale]
* [http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=190 MarineBio: sperm whale, ''Physeter catodon'']
* [http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-history-hs9phys,0,4763989.story?coll=ny-lihostory-navigation "Physty"-stranded sperm whale nursed back to health and released in 1981]
* [http://www.mobydickthewhale.com/moby-dick/moby-dick-chapter-32.htm Cetology of the Sperm Whale from ''Moby-Dick''] Herman Melville
* [http://www.uwrf.edu/biology/electives_dir/444_dir/VSmith/Page1.html The physiology of the deep diving adaptations of whales]
* [http://www.earthocean.tv/series/whalesmed_part2.html Online documentary film about sperm whales in the mediterranean sea (earthOCEAN)]
*[http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/mammals/Physeter_macrocephalus/ ARKive] Photographs, video.
{{Cetacea|O.1}}
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