Sperm Whale Diving, Kaikoura, New Zealand

A sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) dives off the New Zealand coast near Kaikoura. The sperm whale, also known as cachalot, is the largest of the toothed whales. Males average 52 feet (16 meters) in length, but can grow to be 67 feet (20.5 meters) long. The sperm whale gets its name from the liquid wax, called spermaceti, which is found in its head. Spermaceti is used for echolocation and communication and may help adjust the whale's buoyancy.

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Contained in galleries: Whales

A sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) dives off the New Zealand coast near Kaikoura. The sperm whale, also known as cachalot, is the largest of the toothed whales. Males average 52 feet (16 meters) in length, but can grow to be 67 feet (20.5 meters) long. The sperm whale gets its name from the liquid wax, called spermaceti, which is found in its head. Spermaceti is used for echolocation and communication and may help adjust the whale's buoyancy.