In this study, we compared the fluke geometries of male and female narwhals, which may be associated with hydrodynamic effects. Computerized tomography (CT) scanning was used to obtain data for analyses of the three-dimensional geometry of the flukes. The flukes from four narwhals (two males and two females) were obtained from aboriginal hunters in the vicinity of Broughton Island, Canada. The body lengths of the animals ranged from 2.98 to 3.60 m. Both males had erupted, upper left tusks. Standard body measurements were made including the span of the fluke (i.e., linear distance between fluke tips).

Data extracted in the frame of a joint ICSTI/PANGAEA IPY effort, see http://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.150150

Supplement to: Fontanella, Janet E; Fish, Frank E; Rybczynski, Natalia; Nweeia, Martin T; Ketten, Darlene R (2011): Three-dimensional geometry of the narwhal (Monodon monoceros) flukes in relation to hydrodynamics. Marine Mammal Science, 27(4), 889-898