Sperm whales are snoozing in our oceans.
Diver and underwater photographer Franco Banfi captured stunning photos of a pod of sleeping sperm whales in the Caribbean Sea by Dominica Island.
In 2008 researchers discovered that sperm whales actually sleep in short intervals, taking a few 12-minute power-naps throughout the day. Luke Randel from the University of St Andrew’s in the United Kingdom accidentally led his crew into a pod of sperm whales as they were monitoring the whales of the region. With their bodies completely vertical in the water and the tops of their heads exposed above the surface, the whales kept completely still. Randel was careful not to disturb them.
“It was actually pretty scary. The boat had drifted into the group with its engine off [while] I was below decks making acoustic recordings… Once I saw the situation I decided the best thing to do was to try and sail our way out of the group rather than turn the engine on and have them all react.”
In their slumber, sperm whales exhibit the same kind of rapid eye movement (REM) that humans do when we sleep. This is the cycle associated with dreaming – but while we’d love to believe whales are having dreams of epic proportions, we can’t guarantee they share our experience.
Sperm whales are thought to have the largest brains on the planet and they live approximately 70 years.
Male sperm whales grow up to 55ft feet long and can weigh up to 45 tons. The females of the species, on the other hand, hang around 38ft and get up to 16 tons.
The sperm whale derives its name from a mistake made by early whalers.
“The name sperm whale comes from the spermaceti organ which is located in its head. The organ produces a white waxy substance that was originally mistaken for sperm.”
Little is known about the true function of the spermaceti. While whalers of prior centuries thought it a reproductive organ, current researchers think that it may have something to do with buoyancy.
“[It] assists the whale with buoyancy by allowing the whale to adjust the fluid balance and consistency within its head; after all the sperm whale is the deepest diving animal in the cetacean family.”
Sperm whales are currently listed as a vulnerable species according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
The beautiful sea creatures have been heavily hunted throughout history – salvaged for their blubber to make various products including oil for old lamps.
Conservationists are working to keep them in our oceans, ensuring the whales are free to take all the naps they please.
Here are some of the other photos from this rare moment:
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