Sperm whales are the planet's largest 'active' hunters - blue whales and fin whales may be mightier, but as filter feeders, don't target individual prey items.
However, size alone doesn't make sperm whales immune to becoming prey themselves. Their main foes are killer whales, while other potential assailants include false killer whales and large sharks.
Calves are most likely to fall victim and the adults will form a protective ring, known as marguerite formation, around any vulnerable group members.
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Another, somewhat unexpected, adversary came to light in 2021.
Giant petrels and sperm whales both feed around longline fishing boats in the Southern Hemisphere, and the petrels have now been seen ripping chunks of flesh out of the whales.
The birds bother the whales enough for them to give up and dive or take avoidance measures such as rolling.
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