The Sperm Whale has the largest brain of any animal on Earth and produces the loudest sounds made by any animal—clicks measuring up to 230 decibels used for deep-sea echolocation. It dives to depths exceeding 10,000 feet in pursuit of giant squid, holding its breath for up to 90 minutes. The waxy substance spermaceti in its enormous forehead organ may function as an acoustic lens for focusing its powerful biosonar.
Best time to see a Sperm Whale
The best time to see a Sperm Whale is January–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 115 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Sperm Whale? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Sperm Whale sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Sperm Whale?
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