Narwhal | |
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Information | |
Range | Arctic |
Scientific Classification | |
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Mammalia |
Order | Cetacea |
Family | Monodontidae |
Genus | Monodon |
Species | Monodon monoceros |
Conservation Status | |
Least Concern |
The Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is a medium-sized toothed whale that lives year-round in the Arctic. In medival times, it was thought that Narwal horns had magical powers. The signature long horn of the narwhal inspired unicorns.
Appearance[]
Narwhal males are distinguished by a long, straight, helical tusk, actually an elongated upper left canine.
Behavior[]
Diet[]
Additional items found in stomachs have included wolffish, capelin, skate eggs and sometimes rocks, accidentally ingested when whales feed near the bottom.