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Sperm Whales: Physeteridae

Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Sperm Whales And People, Sperm Whale (physeter Macrocephalus): Species AccountsGEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, CONSERVATION STATUS



SPERM WHALE (Physeter macrocephalus): SPECIES ACCOUNTS
PYGMY SPERM WHALE (Kogia breviceps): SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Members of this family are found in oceans worldwide.

These are deep-water whales, living in water over 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) deep. Smaller species may live in slightly shallower water.

Sperm whales eat mainly squid, although they will also eat fish, crabs, and octopus that live on or near the ocean bottom.

Not enough is known about the smaller sperm whales to give them a conservation rating. Although there is some debate about population size, giant sperm whales are considered Vulnerable, facing a high risk of extinction, because of slow recovery from population declines that resulted from hunting.



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Animal Life ResourceMammals