A northern marine creature with ivory tusks is a walrus. Walruses are large marine mammals recognized by their long tusks, whiskers and thick layers of blubber that help them survive in cold Arctic waters.
The name “walrus” is linked to northern European languages and is often interpreted as meaning something like “whale horse” or “horse whale.” Two living subspecies are commonly recognized: the Atlantic walrus, found around the eastern Canadian Arctic and Greenland, and the Pacific walrus, found near Alaska and eastern Siberia. A smaller Laptev Sea population is sometimes treated separately.
Both males and females grow tusks. They use them for display, competition and hauling themselves onto sea ice, although walruses do not use tusks to dig up their main food. Their sensitive whiskers help them locate clams, worms and other bottom-dwelling animals in dark or murky water.
Walruses are pinnipeds, placing them alongside seals and sea lions. They are not fish, and despite their tusks, they are not closely related to elephants; the tusks are enlarged canine teeth.