Papo Sperm whale head orientation

JimoAi · June 17, 2024, 07:51:49 AM

Hi, any whale experts able to lean on this? The Papo 2018 Sperm whale looks like it has it's head pointed up at an angle and I'm not sure if its able to pull it off in life without fracturing any bones and I would like to ask before getting another copy as I only collect figures that are in natural poses

https://animaltoyforum.com/blog/sperm-whale-2018-marine-life-by-papo/

EpicRaptorMan · June 17, 2024, 04:36:00 PM

Cetaceans have cervical vertebra, yes, but in most cases they are fused and non-flexible. The beluga is exceptional for its oddly flexible neck.

Sperm whales from what I gather have 7 cervical vertebra (like most mammals) and C2—C7 are fused. With C1 being free.
Compare that to other whales and their capabilities of head movements and you'll have your answer.

sphyrna18 · June 17, 2024, 08:35:16 PM

I haven't seen this figure in person, or, if I have, it's been a really long time, but from the pictures I think the neck flex is within reason. I'm no expert on Sperm Whales, though, so I very well may be 100% wrong.

bmathison1972 · June 18, 2024, 12:51:05 AM

Flagging @callmejoe3 for his input!

callmejoe3 · June 19, 2024, 06:07:47 PM

Quote from: bmathison1972 on June 18, 2024, 12:51:05 AMFlagging @callmejoe3 for his input!

Of the many images I've seen of sperm whales, including calves, I've never seen a head in such a sharp bend. Whatever dorsoventral flexion they can exhibit is a lot more subtle, usually with the head slightly downward than upward.

EpicRaptorMan · June 19, 2024, 08:24:33 PM

It could be that this particular model has a moveable jaw Papo adjusted the head more upward to give a "better" effect when the mouth is opened.

Or is just a blatant error.
Whatever the case I still like mine.

JimoAi · June 23, 2024, 04:04:01 AM

Update: A member of a Facebook group showed a video of a sperm whale swimming in the position similar to the Papo figure so it is possible even though it's unknown if it can only pull of this pose for a short period of time

EpicRaptorMan · June 23, 2024, 04:42:41 AM

Quote from: JimoAi on June 23, 2024, 04:04:01 AMUpdate: A member of a Facebook group showed a video of a sperm whale swimming in the position similar to the Papo figure so it is possible even though it's unknown if it can only pull of this pose for a short period of time

do you mind sharing the video? Or at least screenshots? I'm interested as well.

That is assuming you did it already reload Facebook 🙄

JimoAi · June 23, 2024, 09:10:06 AM

Around the 4 minute mark.https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EvtMTV9mMSc

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Papo Sperm whale head orientation