Sperm whale (Physeter catodon), also called cachalot, the largest of the toothed whales, easily recognized by its enormous square head and narrow lower jaw. The sperm whale is dark blue-gray or brownish, with white patches on the belly. It is thickset and has small paddlelike flippers and a series of rounded humps on its back. Males attain a maximum length of about 24 metres (78.7 feet) and weigh up to 50 metric tons (55.1 tons). Females are smaller, usually measuring less than about 14 metres (45.9 feet) and weighing less than 25 metric tons (27.6 tons).
- Scientific name: Physeter macrocephalus
- Length: 16 m (Adult)
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Physeteridae
- Phylum: Chordata
- Mass: 14,000 kg – 41,000 kg (Adult)