SPERM WHALE

 SPERM WHALE

 Local name : Magarmachchh 

Physical measurements & life cycle: 

Length : Up to 20 m. The female is of half the size  of the male. 

Weight : Male- 45-70 tons Female-15-70 tons 

Gestation : 15-16 months 

Litter size : 1

Life span : More than 70 years 

Breeding : March-May (once in every 2 years). 

Description

The Sperm whale is dark grey-blackish in colour. It has long head, i.e., about 1/3rd of the size of the body. The head is square cut and asymmetrical. Its lower jaw is narrow with 30 teeth. This toothed whale has no dorsal fin and has small but wide flippers. Its tail is deeply notched and wide.

  Food 

Carnivorous. It preys upon squids, cuttlefish and other large sized fishes. 

Distribution 

It occurs in the Gulf of Kachchh, the Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay) and other marine area of the state.

Behaviour

They are very good swimmers and can dive up to 1200 m depth, It can swim at good speed. It is usually seen in small  parties. 

Signs of presence 

Direct sighting or carcass etc. 

Unlike Blue whale, Sperm whale is a toothed whale. It can be easily identified by its straight cut squarish mouth. It is considered as a champion diver as apart from diving very deep. the male can remain submerged in waters for two hours in search of food. It has very high commercial value. This is because the oil available from this mammal is large in quantity and of high quality. When chased, this whale can swim at the speed of 10 knots per hour.