The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is a remarkable deep diver, routinely plunging to depths exceeding 2,000 meters (over 6,560 feet) in search of prey, primarily giant squid. This marine mammal holds the record for the deepest and longest dives among cetaceans, remaining submerged for up to 90 minutes. Its adaptations for such extreme dives include a flexible ribcage that withstands pressure, the ability to store large amounts of oxygen in muscles and blood via myoglobin, and a slow heart rate (bradycardia) that conserves oxygen. Sperm whales are also equipped with a specialized organ called the spermaceti, which aids in buoyancy control and echolocation, enabling them to navigate and hunt in the pitch-black depths of the ocean.
- Species: Physeter macrocephalus (sperm whale)
- Diving depth: Over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet)
- Dive duration: Up to 90 minutes
- Primary prey: Giant squid and other deep-sea cephalopods
- Adaptations: Flexible ribcage, myoglobin-rich muscles, bradycardia, spermaceti organ
Sperm whales can dive to depths exceeding 2,000 meters.
Sperm whales use a flexible ribcage, oxygen storage, slow heart rate, and the spermaceti organ for deep diving.
During deep dives, sperm whales primarily hunt giant squid.