Coalwhale

Coalwhales, also known as shiwha, tusked whales or bloodport whales, are a species of moderately-sized, pod-forming whale that has become increasingly rare in the last few centuries. Often hunted for their meat and fat, they are a well-known whale species that has made their mark in cultural groups across the world.

Desciption:

Coalwhales are so-named by people on the surface for their inky black skin that resembles the colour of raw coal. Interestingly, sea elves call them "Shiwha" which translates as "ghost whale" or "spirit whale", because of their grey-white stomach. As sea elves often see and hunt them them from below, this name is more apt. As these names indicate, the coalwhale is countershaded with an inky black back, and an ashy underside. This white underside is mottled and spotted at the edge, and this marking is unique to each individual whale, making them easily recognisable.
The coalwhale is a medium-sized species, growing to around 20m long. Robust and bulky in build, they have a large head supporting baleen feeding structures as well as defensive front tusk-like teeth.
It's tail is large and powerful, and its fins are exceptionally long compared to other similarly sized whales. They have two dorsal fins, allowing them to remain upright easily in harsh open ocean, and assisting in maneuvering around predators more quickly. Their eyes are very large and either bright blue or brilliant grey/white in colour.

Lifespan

Coalwhales can theoretically live between 100-150 years given the correct environment. Coalwhales much more commonly die from threats and predation and rarely reach ages over 60-80 years.

Behaviour

Reproduction and Family Groups

Female coalwhales commonly have one calf every 6-10 years. Their gestation is internal and lasts around 16 months, the young coalwhale being born very small and defenseless, requiring its mother to assist it to breathe by lifting it to the water's surface for the first few weeks of its life. Calves drink their mother's milk for a year before being weaned, and are cared for by their mother for 3-4 years, or until she becomes pregnant again.
Coalwhales form familial, matriarchal pods, usually consisting of a few generations of females lead by their oldest mother. Males are mostly solitary, searching for and swimming with pods of females each year to assess for breeding status. Males will swim with their pod of females for a while after mating, and will defend the group from other males. Females are able to reject a pregnancy if she decides another male is more suitable, allowing the new male to sire her calf. With the extreme amount of time and resources that goes into raising a singular calf, this is an incredibly useful adaptation.
After finalising their mate selections, pods of females will drive off and expell their male companions. When their pregnancies are coming to a close, they will travel toward land to find protected bays which act as creches. The protection of reefs and sandbars allow the mothers to support their fragile young for the first months of their lives without battling predators, harsh waves and open ocean. Unfortunately, this behaviour has lead to many bays being turned into whaling towns, taking advantage of the whales' birthing behaviours.

Diet

Coalwhales feed on krill, small fish, plankton and other microorganisms. They are filter feeders, using their large mouths to engulf swaths of water and trapping the small creatures within. The tusks were once thought to help catch larger prey, but it is now understood that they are used for fighting off predatory creatures, as well as competing for mates.

Vocalisation

Coalwhales have a semi-complex language consisting of clicks, squeals and songs. Researchers have attempted to record this language and convert it into a written form, but the whales are hesitant to communicate with people, even when using magical means to do so.
Not overly vocal compared to some other whale species, coalwhales communicate only when required. Whalesong is not as involved in their mating rituals as with other whales, and with the evolution of their teeth, fighting has become the most common method of mate selection.

Relationship with People

Whaling

Coalwhales have been hunted for meat and blubber throughout history. Coalwhale meat is incredibly important culturally to sea elves as it is an ancient part of their wedding ceremonies and coming-of-age traditions. Sedia, Virias, Osmen and the Skypirros Isles all had historically significant whaling industries, with Skypirros and Virias still allowing and undertaking whaling activities to this day. Sedia banned coalwhale hunting in 12,892 SA, and Osmen followed shortly after in 13,002 SA. Virias doesn't conduct much whale hunting, with the activity being perilously dangerous due to sea ice, and is usually reserved for the social elite, as they can undertake it by airship or specialised boat. Skypirros still has a very active whaling economy, though coalwhale numbers are dropping significantly around their bays as a result.

Uses

Whale meat is high in calories, and eaten in many cultures. Coalwhales in particular have very dense blubber, and their tendency to swim in shallow waters close to shore makes them a particularly good hunting target. Coalwhale blubber is also a good fuel for lanterns, and an excellent ingredient in creams and lotions, alchemical concoctions and medicines where a smooth, oily texture is required.

In culture

Sea elves and coalwhales have many strong cultural ties. Sea elves hunt coalwhales for food, and commonly depict them in art as fearsome but beautiful beasts that are both a danger and a thing to be respected. Young sea elf boys must go on a whale hunt to be considered a man, a tradition that continues strongly to this day.
Sea elves also utilise whales in their wedding ceremonies; it is traditional for a married couple to have whale meat for their wedding meal. It's thought that whale meat, high in calories and vitamins, was originally selected as the appropriate food for a budding young couple to help boost their chances of concieving a baby. Dangerous to hunt and luxurious, it was also a popular wedding gift, and has remained culturally important to this day.

Scholarly Name: Carbolaena spectrus
Common Names: Coalwhale, ghost whale, Shiwha
Conservation: Endangered
Range: Widespread