| Scientific name: | Physeter macrocephalus |
| Family: | Physeteridae |
| Range: | Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans |
| Habitat: | Deep water |
| Status: | Locally common |
| Population: | 300,000-400,000 |
| Diet: | Squid, octopus and fish |
| Length: | 15-18m (49-59ft), males larger |
| Weight: | Males 38-55 tons, Females 20-27 tons |
Identification
Flukes
Broad and triangular, with prominent notch.
Dorsal Fin
Low hump with about 6 knuckles behind.
Flippers
Fairly short and stubby.
Head Shape
Blunt head is up to one-third of body length. Underslung toothed lower jaw. Blowhole is near the tip of the snout and displaced slightly to the left.
Body
Colour is dark grey to purplish brown. Last two-thirds of the body is usually wrinkled like a prune.
Group Size
Females typically in groups of 10-20 animals, including juveniles of both sexes; “bachelor” males in groups of 10-20; larger males in small groups or travelling alone, except during the breeding season.
Behaviour
Normally slow swimming but can rapidly accelerate if disturbed. Often lies almost motionless on the surface (“logging”). Occasionally lobtails or breaches. After a dive of 20-100 minutes, 20-70 blows usually follow at 12-20 second intervals.