Physeter macrocephalus
Sperm whale
Length: 3.5-4.0m/11.5-13.2ft (newborn); 8.3-11.0 (15.0)m/27.4-36.2 (49.5)ft (adult female); 11.0-15.8 (20.5)m/36.3-52.1 (67.6)ft (adult male)
Head and Beak: The sperm whale has a huge square head (up to one-third total length in male); underslung lower jaw.
Fin and Markings: No fin but distinct triangular fin or dorsal hump two-thirds along the body, followed by spinal ridge. Corrugations on skin gives the sperm whale a shrivelled appearance. Dark brown or grey in colour.
Sperm Whale
ID: The bushy blow of a sperm whale is directed forwards and to the left, 1.5-5.0m high; may lie log-like on the surface; broad, triangular and deeply notched tail flukes thrown into air.
Sperm whale distribution map
Status and Distribution: Rare in deep Atlantic waters offshore from Iceland and Norway south to the Iberian Peninsula, and east into the Mediterranean Sea. Sperm whales are mainly seen around Iceland, off western Norway (Andenes), west coast of Spain, and the Azores. In coastal North European waters, sperm whales are mainly reported from July to December.
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