The Narwhal (Monodon monoceros)may look like a mythical creature or a legendary animal, but it’s not. This is rarely seen whale is said to be the unicorn of the sea. The narwhal is a medium-sized, pale-colored whale found in the icy waters of the Arctic seas. It has a round head, small mouth and a cylindrical body (lacking in dorsal fin). Male narwhals can grow to be about 4 – 9 m long and weigh up to 1,600 kilograms. Females are slightly smaller, growing to about 4 m long and weigh around 1,000 kilograms.
The most eye-catching feature of the male narwhal is its single long tusk growing to about 2–3 meter long. This tusk commonly growing in a spiral fashion, is actually an incisor tooth sticking out on the left side of the upper jaw. The tusk’s function is uncertain; some theories suggest that tusk is used in determining social rank, in obtaining food, or a formidable tool during courtship. However, the tusk is not used for fighting or in hunting.
Narwhals are so sensitive to climate change that they exhibit seasonal migrations. During summer, they are seen gathering in shallow waters, but go offshore, in deeper water as winter approaches. Narwhals have a specialized diet that includes a Greenland flatfish, Gonatus squids, shrimps, Arctic cod, and other marine animals. They are considered the deepest divers amongst mammals. Records showed that they can dive to a depth of about 800 meters over 15 times per day. Each dive may last from 7-25 minutes.
Narwhals can live up to a maximum of 50 years. Currently, their estimated population is between 10,000 to 45,000 individuals. Since hunting narwhals are legal. their main predators are polar bears and orcas.
Just now I know this sea creatures...the tusk's long like a spear.
ReplyDeleteamazing! the tusk looks like a drill, i will not dare to get near if i see one lol
ReplyDeleteAcupuncturists of the animal world. Along with porcupines.
ReplyDeleteThey look mythical indeed! I'm fascinated with the facts you listed about these Narwahls . I wonder if any of you here have seen one already.
ReplyDeleteincredible, narwhal is great i believe they used those horns for defense
ReplyDeletei've seen a feature about life at the ocean and how they were hunted by the orcas, which was hard for me to imagine at first, because i was thinking they could just thrust their tusks for fighting, but they don't :(
ReplyDeletenever heard nor seen one before. this is why i love Papaleng's amazing animal tales. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Never knew these kind of animal exist. And the tusk, it reminds me of drill bit.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they every stick each other with their tusks?
ReplyDeleteOh my! That’s such a unique animal. The tusk looks like the drilling tool.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any live, not even once! Just to answer Te J's comment. Hahaha! If I see one, I wish they could do acupuncture on me. Sa tulis ba naman nyan. Hahaha!
ReplyDeleteThey look scary but fascinating as well! Another wonder in God's creations!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know they exist! Those tusks look sharp though, quite scary.
ReplyDeleteAmazing really!
ReplyDeleteThey look mythical even if they're real.
Those tusks are so pointy and dangerous. Good thing no one dares to swim in Arctic seas.
ReplyDeleteI've often seen these in documentaries but never really listened and I wondered if the tusks are for catching food, glad you mentioned the theory about it.
ReplyDeleteDidn't know that such animals exists! They look very interesting!
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