Sperm Whale
(Adopted 1975)

This whale, featured in the book Moby Dick, is the only species in its family. It has an enormously high, squared-off forehead. Its head is one-third of its length.There are up to 28 strong teeth on each side of the long, narrow lower jaw. The back has no dorsal fin. When this whale exhales or "blows" at the surface, its spout of mist is directed forward. Able to dive down to 2 miles below the surface, the Sperm Whale feeds on giant squid, octopus, bottom dwelling sharks and other fish. Found off both coasts, it has been overhunted for its oil, which is used to lubricate machines.

Source: Peterson First Guides® (used with permission)