The Jaws of a Cetacean
A sperm whale is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator that is found around the world – but its teeth are only on the underside of its jaws. Some other interesting facts:
- Females and young males live together in groups, while mature males (bulls) live solitary lives outside of the mating season.
- Females give birth every four to twenty years, and care for the calves for more than a decade.
- Its head represents up to one-third of its length.
- Plunging to 2,250 meters, it is the third deepest diving mammal on the planet.
- It has the largest brain on Earth, more than five times heavier than a human’s.
- Sperm whales can live 70 years or more.
- Sperm whaling was a major industry in the 19th century.
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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