The Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is a very large, toothed cetacean. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon.
Description[]
Reaching lengths of up to 20.7m (68ft), with males being notably larger than females, the sperm whale is the largest of the toothed whales, as well as the largest toothed predatory animal in the modern day. One third of the whale's length is made up of its large head, which has two, large organs that are filled with a waxy, fatty substance known as "spermaceti", which gives the whale its name and helps aid in echolocation. The "junk" (melon) is the lower spermaceti organ, and may have an additional purpose of helping to protect the whale's skull when ramming. The skull also houses the largest known brain of any animal. The sperm whale is also known as the Cachalot, which may be an archaic French word for "tooth", referencing the whale's large teeth, found only in its narrow lower jaw.
The sperm whale is found in pelagic oceans across the world and makes seasonal migrations. Females and young males live in groups, with females cooperating to protect their calves. Their preferred diet is squid, including the Giant Squid, which they will dive to depths of up to 2,250m (7,382ft) to find. Adult sperm whales have few natural predators, with large males being known to chase off orcas.
Zoo Tycoon[]
The Sperm Whale is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon and was added as part of the Marine Mania expansion pack. In Freeform mode, it is not available for adoption until December 1, making it one of the last marine animals to be unlocked without research.
Like all Marine Mania animals, the sperm whale is an Aquatic animal and requires a very large, deep tank of 12 units deep to be comfortable. The sperm whale's favorite foliage is the Stove Pipe Sponge and can maximize its habitat suitability using it and Medium Ocean Floor Rocks. The sperm whale also likes a variety of other aquatic foliage, though to a lesser extent. When its happiness is high, the sperm whale may occasionally breach out of the water, swing its head at the surface of the water or vocalize.
Trivia[]
- The sperm whale's blowhole is in the wrong location, being located above the eyes instead of at the front of the head.
- Despite males being much larger than females in real life, in Zoo Tycoon, both sexes are the same size.
- Although the sperm whale does not eat humans in real life, sperm whales in-game are among the few animals capable of outright killing and eating male guests rather than simply attacking them.