Sperm Whale

Sperm Whale, or CACHALOT (Physter macrocephalus), the sole species of a genus of Toothed Whales, from tropical and sub-tropical seas, where they occur in large schools led by old males. The length of the male, when full grown, is about 60 feet, of which the enormous square head counts for a full third; the females are much smaller. The colour is black above, lighter on the sides, and silvry-grey beneath. There are no teeth in the upper jaw, and those in the lower jaw fit into hollows above. They feed principally upon cuttlefish and squids, and are hunted for their oil spermaceti, and ambergris.