Narwhal

The Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is an Arctic species of cetacean with a body similar to that of a dolphin. It is rarely found south of latitude 70°N. It is one of two species of whale in the Monodontidae family (the other is the beluga). It is possibly also related to the Irrawaddy Dolphin.

Physical description

The conspicuous characteristic of male Narwhals is their extraordinarily long tusk which projects from the left side of their jaws and has a clockwise-oriented spiralled ridge. The tusk can be up to 3m long (compared with a body length of 4-5m) and weigh up to ten kilograms. One in 500 males has two tusks.

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The purpose of the tusk has been the subject of much debate. Early scientific theories supposed that the tusk was used to pierce the ice covering the Narwhal's Arctic Sea habitat. Others suggested the tusk was used in echolocation. Nowadays scientists believe the tusk is primarily used for showmanship and for dominance - those males with the largest tusk are most likely to successfully attract a mate. Like the tusks of elephants, Narwhal tusks do not regrow if they break off.

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Male Narwhals weigh up to 1.5 tons; the female no more than a ton. Most of the body is pale with brown speckles in colour, though the neck, head and edges of the flippers and fluke are nearly black. Older animals are usually more brightly colored than younger animals.

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