Discover Why are Sperm Whales Called Sperm Whales?

The name “sperm whale” comes from the substance found in an organ in the whale’s head that is full of spermaceti oil.

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This oil has a white semi-liquid appearance, and early whalers in the early 19th century believed it was the whale’s stash of sperm. They were incorrect, but the name stuck.

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Why Do Sperm Whales Have Spermaceti Oil?

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This organ holds 530 gallons of spermaceti oil! Think about a dunk tank at the fair, those typically hold 500 gallons of water, similar to the amount of oil present in the sperm whale!

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What Did Whalers Use Spermaceti Oil For?

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