🌿Native Nature

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia ›Phylum: Chordata ›Class: Mammalia ›Order: Artiodactyla ›Family: Physeteridae ›Genus: Physeter

About

The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) or cachalot /ˈkæʃəˌlɒt, ˈkæʃəˌloʊ/ is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator. It is the only living member of genus Physeter, and one of three extant species in the sperm whale family, along with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale of the genus Kogia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Sperm Whale?
The scientific name of Sperm Whale is Physeter macrocephalus.
What is the conservation status of Sperm Whale?
The Sperm Whale has a conservation status of Vulnerable.
What kingdom does Sperm Whale belong to?
Sperm Whale belongs to the kingdom Animalia.
What phylum does Sperm Whale belong to?
Sperm Whale belongs to the phylum Chordata.
What class does Sperm Whale belong to?
Sperm Whale belongs to the class Mammalia.
What order does Sperm Whale belong to?
Sperm Whale belongs to the order Artiodactyla.
What family does Sperm Whale belong to?
Sperm Whale belongs to the family Physeteridae.
What genus does Sperm Whale belong to?
Sperm Whale belongs to the genus Physeter.

In the News

Sperm whales blow bubbles to stay afloat while resting, research shows

Sperm whales are the only whales known to rest vertically, floating steadily just below the ocean’s surface. Scientists have hypothesized that the whales release air bubbles to help them stay neutrally buoyant but the mechanism for how they do so has not previously been demonstrated — until now. “We already knew that sperm whales rest […]

Mongabay · 9/21/2026

Scientists found mystery bacteria inside one of the ocean’s most elusive whales

Scientists studying decades of pygmy sperm whale strandings have uncovered three previously unknown types of Helicobacter bacteria hiding in the animals’ stomachs. All four infected whales showed serious digestive damage, including inflammation, ulcers, scarring, and parasite infestations, although the bacteria were not confirmed as the cause of death.

ScienceDaily Plants & Animals · 7/21/2026