Scientists were left stunned after capturing a pair of narwhals using their tusks in a way not seen before.
Often referred to as the ‘unicorn of the sea’, the creatures have a horn that can grow up to 10 metres in length, as reported by What’s The Jam.
In footage captured by researchers, three narwhals can be seen swimming together while trying to feed.
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Their dinner escapes but the trio start hitting their tusks together in a playful manner.
“Seeing that these animals are not actually hunting the fish but exploring, manipulating and interacting with it was really a game changer,” said lead author Dr Gregory O’Corry-Crowe, a research professor in the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University.
“Aspects of the behavioural sequence in the observation may be the first recorded evidence of play, specifically exploratory-object play, in narwhals.”
Previous research has suggested that the narwhal’s tusk serves as a competitive display to secure mates.
The findings were published in a journal on 27 February with researchers describing 17 distinct behaviours.
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Narwhals can live up to 50 years and can change colour with age.
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