Small Sperm whale (Kogia sima)- one of the most mysterious marine mammals that live in the tropical and temperate waters of the world's oceans. Despite its name, it is not “small " compared to other sea creatures: its length can reach up to 2.7 m, and the weight is over 250 kg.
This species is the closest relative of the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) and together with it belongs to the family of sperm whales (KogiidaeBoth of these species have unique traits, such as the ability to secrete inky liquid to protect themselves from predators and the unusual structure of the head, which contains echolocation organs.
The small sperm whale is a rare and secretive inhabitant of the ocean, so its behavior and lifestyle are still poorly understood. In this article, we will look at its appearance, behavior, nutrition, habitat, and ecological significance.
Scientific classification
🔬 Classification of the lesser sperm whale:
✔ The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
✔ Type: Chordal (Chordata)
✔ Class: Mammals (Mammalia)
✔ Row: Cetaceans (Cetacea)
✔ In a row: Toothed whales (Odontoceti)
✔ Family: Sperm whales (Kogiidae)
✔ Gender: Cogies (Kogia)
✔ View: Kogia sima
📌 Interesting!
* The lesser sperm whale was long considered a young form of the pygmy sperm whale, until scientists confirmed that it was a separate species.
* Although it is smaller than a real sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalusIts similarity in behavior and anatomy is striking.
Appearance and dimensions
💠 Main Features:
• Length: 2.1–2.7 m
• Weight: 136-272 kg
• Color scheme: dark gray or bluish on top, light on the bottom
• Chairman: short, rounded, with a small muzzle
• Dorsal fin: crescent-shaped, located closer to the tail
• Tail: wide and durable
📌 Interesting!
The small sperm whale has false gill depression behind the eyes, which makes it look like a shark.
Anatomy and Physiology
🧠 Brain
* Well developed, which makes him an intelligent and cautious hunter.
🫁 Respiratory system
* May hold your breath for up to 30 minutes and dive to the depths up to 600 meters.
🦷 Teeth
* Has from 8 to 13 pairs of teeth in the lower jaw, and in the upper jaw the teeth are either completely absent or very small.
🦑 Protection from predators
* Throws out a dark liquid that creates a "cloud" that disorients enemies.
📌 Interesting!
This feature makes the small sperm whale the only mammal to use a similar defense mechanism, similar to squid's ink curtain.
Habitat and distribution
🌍 Where does the lesser sperm whale live?
* Tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
* Deep-sea areas of the continental shelf and slopes.
* Prefers deep water (more than 500 m).
📌 Interesting!
This view very rarely it is found in coastal waters, so observation of it is very rare.
Food and hunting
🍽 What does a small sperm whale eat?
• Cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish).
• Deep-sea fish.
• Crustaceans.
💡 How does he hunt?
* Uses echolocation to search for loot.
* Dives to great depths, hunting in the dark.
📌 Interesting!
If the squid tries to run away, the small sperm whale can use quick jerks to catch up with its prey.
Behavior and social structure
🗣 Communication
* Uses click for echolocation.
* Has low-frequency soundswhich can be used for communication.
👨👩👦 Family device
* Leads mostly solitary lifestyle.
* Sometimes generates small groups (up to 5 individuals).
📌 Interesting!
The small sperm whale rarely jumps out of the water like dolphins, but can plunge abruptly to a depth of danger.
Threats and species protection
⚠ Main threats:
✔ Accidentally hit the fishing Cities.
✔ Ocean pollution (microplastics, chemicals).
✔ Navigation (collision with ships).
✔ Climate change affecting ecosystems.
🌍 Security measures:
• It is listed in the IUCN Red List (IUCN).
* Protected by international agreements.
* Commercial fishing is prohibited.
📌 Interesting!
Although small sperm whales are not hunted, accidental catches can negatively affect their numbers.
Conclusion
The lesser sperm whale is a unique marine mammal that remains little known even to scientists. Its deep-sea hunting, echolocation, and ink cloud release abilities make it a true natural wonder.
However, like many other marine animals, the small sperm whale faces threats related to human activity. Protecting its natural habitat is an important step in preserving this rare and mysterious species.
🛑 This creature of the ocean depths still hides many secrets that are waiting to be discovered!
