What Does The Sperm Whale Eat?

The sperm whale one of the most easily distinguishable among the cetaceans on account of its massive head is the largest mammal of the sub order Odontoceti (toothed whales) growing to a length of 60 ft (18 meters) and weighing as much as 50,000 kg.

The sperm whales are the deepest divers in the animal kingdom and on account of their size can hunt deep sea creatures like giant squid, octopus and rays; the feeding technique of the technique does not involve biting or chewing but instead the prey is swallowed whole. Sperm whales diet also includes various kinds of fishes and crustaceans though they need to consume large amounts of food, up to 3% of their body weight (about a 1000 kg) at a time and hence hunt larger creatures.

Sperm whales have been hunted by man for the spermaceti or the wax like substance derived from whale oil or blubber for a long time and today the species counts among the endangered ones in the animal world.

Giant squid, fish, ocotpus and skate

Giant Squid.