Scientists Think That Sperm Whales Might Have Names

Turns out, Sperm Whales may have their own names for themselves, and not the ones that are chosen for them by human overlords like Monstro, Moby, or Pearl.

Whale biologists (who, as we all know, calls ’em like they sees ’em)

analyzed a coda made by sperm whales around the world. Called 5R, it’s composed of five consecutive clicks, and superficially appears to be identical in each whale. Analyzed closely, however, variations in click timing emerge. Each of the researchers’ whales had its own personal 5R riff.

The codas are made at the beginning of vocalizations, “like old-time telegraph operators clicking out a call sign.” Says researcher Luke Rendell, “There is no doubt in my mind that the animals can tell the difference between the timing of individuals.”

Rendell and Co.’s observations are based on only one family of three whales, so he acknowledges that much more research needs to be done. But sperm whales would not be the only marine mammals to use identifying vocalizations; dolphins also use whistles to identify themselves when “talking.”

Tangent: even as an adult, Monstro looks terrifying. No wonder I never liked Pinnochio.