<p>Four male narwhals pass along in the open water of Lancaster Sound in Nunavut, Canada.</p>

Four male narwhals pass along in the open water of Lancaster Sound in Nunavut, Canada.

Photograph by Flip Nicklin, Minden Pictures/Nat Geo Image Collection

Narwhal

The narwhal is the unicorn of the sea, a pale-colored porpoise found in Arctic coastal waters and rivers.

These legendary animals have two teeth. In males, the more prominent tooth grows into a swordlike, spiral tusk up to 10 feet long. The ivory tusk tooth grows right through the narwhal's upper lip. Scientists are not certain of the tusk's purpose, but some believe it is prominent in mating rituals, perhaps used to impress females or to battle rival suitors. Females sometimes grow a small tusk of their own, but it does not become as prominent as the male's.

Narwhals are related to bottlenose dolphins, belugas, harbor porpoises, and orcas. Like some other porpoises, they travel in groups and feed on

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