Narwhals have been spotted using their massive tusks in unexpected ways for the first time: what are they doing?

Narwhals (Monodon monoceros), with their long spiral tusks, resemble something out of a fairy tale. These elongated teeth are primarily observed in males and can grow up to 3 meters in length. These social animals typically travel in groups of two to ten, yet they are quite elusive, making them difficult to observe, writes Popular Science.

Previously, scientists believed that narwhals primarily used their tusks in competition for females. However, a new study calls this assertion into question. According to co-author of the study and biologist Greg O’Corry-Crowe, researchers found that narwhals may use their tusks for foraging, exploring their surroundings, and even playing.

Narwhals are known for their "tusking" behavior, where two or more of them simultaneously lift their tusks almost vertically out of the water, crossing them in what scientists consider a ritualistic display. This behavior often allows the animals to assess the quality of a potential rival or showcase these qualities to prospective mates.

During the study, an international team of researchers employed drones to observe how narwhals use their tusks to explore, manipulate, and influence the behavior of a fish known as the Arctic char. They strike the fish with such force that it becomes stunned and may even die.

In total, the scientists documented 17 different forms of behavior exhibited by narwhals. The authors of the study note that these actions shed light on the dynamics between these photogenic Arctic mammals, fish, and birds. For instance, one of these dynamics manifested as kleptoparasitism—or a "food theft" scenario—between the narwhal, the fish, and the great black-backed gull.

Researchers also discovered the first evidence of potential play among narwhals. The team observed a type of play that scientists refer to as object play. During this type of play, animals manipulate objects to learn. For example, human infants stack blocks together, while cats and dogs play with toys. They also show evidence of social learning, social interaction, and individual personality differences among narwhals.

According to co-author of the study, Courtney Watt, a scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, she has been studying narwhals for over 10 years and has always been fascinated by their tusks. The authors of the study emphasize that witnessing how these animals use their tusks for foraging and play is truly remarkable.

The team noted that narwhals demonstrated remarkable agility, precision, and speed in their tusk movements. They also regularly adjusted their actions to track a moving target. The tip of the tusk was used to probe and manipulate the target in short bursts. The fish typically responded to these touches from the narwhal’s tusk.