Limits RegistryPUBLIC RECORD
Limits RegistryThe sperm whale's echolocation clicks, used to hunt in deep, dark water, reach source levels of up to 230 dB re 1 µPa — the loudest sound known to be produced by any animal. Because underwater decibels use a different reference pressure than airborne decibels, this figure is not directly comparable to sounds measured in air, such as a jet engine (around 140 dB in air).
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The sperm whale's echolocation clicks, used to hunt in deep, dark water, reach source levels of up to 230 dB re 1 µPa — the loudest sound known to be produced by any animal. Because underwater decibels use a different reference pressure than airborne decibels, this figure is not directly comparable to sounds measured in air, such as a jet engine (around 140 dB in air).
The highest sound source level produced by any animal, measured underwater relative to the standard 1 micropascal reference — a different decibel scale than sounds measured in air, since the two use different reference pressures and are not directly comparable.
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Permanent ID limitsregistry.com/limits/LR-SPERM-WHALE-CLICK-LOUDNESS
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Limits Registry. LR-SPERM-WHALE-CLICK-LOUDNESS. Loudest sound produced by an animal. 2026.