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Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales. Hunting in the dark, they routinely dive 2,000 feet deep and can stay down for 45 minutes.

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Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales. Hunting in the dark, they routinely dive 2,000 feet deep and can stay down for 45 minutes.ILLUSTRATION · AI

Sperm whales, the largest of the toothed whales, routinely dive to 2,000 feet on hunts that can last 45 minutes, NOAA Fisheries says.

Males reach 52 feet and 45 tons; females 40 feet and 15 tons. Sperm whales can live up to 60 years.

Between deep dives they spend long periods, typically up to 10 minutes, resting at the surface, which increases their risk of being struck by ships.

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