Physeter macrocephalus

A black-and-white drawing of the habitus

Dorsal view of the skull

Ventral view of the skull

Lateral view of the skull

Surface - blow - dive profile

Three sperm whales under water

A herd of sperm whales under water

Distribution map

Low-frequency, stereotyped, clicked vocalizations, some of which are termed “codas,” areapparently distinct to individual sperm whales and may act as acoustic signatures. Some, clicks are also probably used in echolocation. Here codas and roans from a group of eight, large males can be heard.

Slow clicks and codas.

Regular clicks and creaks (Creaks are believed to be echolocation runs and may indicate, feeding).

Trumpet vocalisations (often made after a whale dives and before it starts clicking), codasand clangs

Slow clangy clicks from a male

Trumpet vocalisations and clangs.

Low-frequency, stereotyped, clicked vocalizations, are apparently distinct to individualsperm whales and may act as acoustic signatures. Here clangs can be heard

Another recording of langs.