The legendary narwhal is famous for its unicorn-like single tusk. The narwhal, or narwhale (Monodon monoceros) is the unicorn of the sea.
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| Photo by Glenn Williams (source) |
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| Photo by Paul Nicklen (source) |
These 3,500 lbs (1,600 kg)
creatures have two teeth and in the males, the more prominent tooth grows out through the upper lips into a long swordlike, spiralled tusk that can reach 2.5 metres (8.8 feet) in length.
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| Photo by Paul Nicklen (source) |
It is believed by some scientist that the tusk is prominent in
mating rituals, perhaps used to impress females or to battle rival suitors.
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| A newborn narwhal calf. - Photo by Paul Nicklen. (source) |
Females occasionally grow a small tusk and males have been seen with two, or none.
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| A narwhal skull with double tusks at Natural History Museum, London. - Photo by adem80 |
Narwhals are inhabitants of Arctic coastal waters and rivers. They are related to
bottlenose dolphins, belugas, harbor porpoises, and orcas.
And here's the video.
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