Species - Narwhal Whale
The Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is a medium-sized whale found
in Arctic waters. The species not only lacks a dorsal fin but the male
Narwhal has a distinguishing feature unique in the world of whales:
a tooth that grows into a long, spiral tusk that may reach 9 ft. This forbidding
tusk can serve as a weapon in disputes.
Narwhals have a cylindrical body, with a blunt head and small mouth. Males average about 16 ft. in length; females about 13 ft. The at-birth length of a calf is usually about 5 ft. Though measured in tons, Narwhals are far from whale heavweights. Mature males usually weigh about 1.8 tons, females somewhat lighter, around a ton.
Young Narwhals are bluish gray in color, but adults are distinctively marked
with leopard-like spots. The Narwhal diet consists mostly of squid, crabs,
shrimps and fish. Narwhals are also among the most vocal of whale species,
producing a variety of clicks and whistling sounds. Estimates of population
size for Narwhals ranges between 10,000 and 20,000.
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