Narwhal.

This Marine Mammal lives in the Arctic. I realized I hadn't done a whale, let alone much that lives up there. Plus I watched a Jacques Cousteau film last night.

As you can see, they're pretty magical looking creatures. Thought to be the basis of 'unicorns' their tusks are distinct among whales (and any other living thing, for that matter). It's actually a large tooth (think: elephant tusk). And on some occasions, narwhals will grow two horns. They travel in pods of 10-100. And they are closely related to beluga whales.

They've been used in myths, apothecaries, meat and decoration. Which means its threats from humans is pretty significant.

Its scientific name, Monodon monoceros means 'one tooth, one horn.' which reminds me of the One-Eyed One horned Flying Purple People Eater. Good movie. It was originally described by Carl Lennaeus, known for his taxonomical contributions to biology. He's known as the father of it, in fact, organizing names and categories. He wasn't very good, based on this one, I'd say. "nar" is old Norse for "corpse" and was apparently described as such because of its grey skin. And whal, that means whale of course. So, of all things that stood out, it was the grey skin? really?

Oh, and don't forget to vote for a boring animal you want me to cover next week.