Sperm whale vs Whale shark
Sperm whale vs whale shark
Sperm whale is larger on weight
Sperm whale is 2.7× whale shark on weight.
A sperm whale and a whale shark can be compared on 3 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.
Side by side
| Sperm whale | Whale shark | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 15–57 t | 9,000–21,000 kg |
| Length | 11–20.5 m | 5.5–18.8 m |
| Typical lifespan | 60–70 yr | 60–130 yr |
What the numbers say
- Sperm whale is 2.7× whale shark on weight.
- Sperm whale is 1.6× whale shark on length.
- Whale shark is somewhat greater than sperm whale on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.
Weight compared.
Sperm whale 15–57 t
Whale shark 9,000–21,000 kg
Sperm whale
The largest toothed predator, diving to 2,000 m for squid and producing the loudest sound of any animal.
Whale shark
The largest fish alive, a filter feeder that strains plankton and poses no danger to swimmers.
This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.
Common questions
- Which is bigger, sperm whale or whale shark?
- Sperm whale is 2.7× whale shark on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.
- How do sperm whales and whale sharks compare on length?
- Sperm whale: 11–20.5 m. Whale shark: 5.5–18.8 m. Sperm whale is 1.6× whale shark on length.
- How do sperm whales and whale sharks compare on typical lifespan?
- Sperm whale: 60–70 yr. Whale shark: 60–130 yr. Whale shark is somewhat greater than sperm whale on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.
Related pages
Sources
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — NOAA (Public domain (US Government))