Ambergris is a concretion found in the intestine of sperm whales and is used as a fixative in perfumes. It is used to coat the beaks of cephalopods, which are the main food of sperm whales, in order to limit irritation to the intestinal wall.

Identity card
Sperm whale
- Scientific name:
- Physeter macrocephalus
- Family:
- Physeteridae
- Class:
- Mammal
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Year of description:
- Linnaeus, 1758
- IUCN Status:
- Vulnerable
- CITES-status:
Appendix I
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Distribution:
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From the equator to high latitudes, although it is found on the continental slope or in deeper waters.
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Habitat:
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Males are generally found in cold, food-rich waters, while females are found in equatorial or subtropical waters.
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Size:
Males measure between 15 and 18 m and females between 10 and 13 m.
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Diet:
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Mainly large squid (80% cephalopods)
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Longevity:
70 years