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Sperm Whale and Giant Squid

Part of Irma and Paul Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life.

The diorama of a sperm whale and giant squid in the Museum's Hall of Ocean Life.

Whales fall into two groups: baleen and toothed, like this sperm whale. Despite impressive teeth, sperm whales use suction to pull in prey. They have been known to dive over 6,500 feet and remain under water for more than an hour in pursuit of giant squid.

Sperm whales often bear scars that match the suckers on a giant squid's tentacles. Also, the indigestible beaks and other body parts of the giant squid often turn up in the stomachs of sperm whales.