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Sperm Whale, Kaikoura
Kaikoura: Sperm Whale, Kaikoura
Giant sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus, about 16 metres long and 40 tonnes in weight. They hang out on the surface for 10 to 15 mins and then dive to astonishing depths for 30 to 45 mins, hunting for fish, squid and giant squid. A very deep sea canyon off the coast of Kaikoura funnels rich cold water to this area, making it a good hunting ground for the whales.

January 2002