Females also have tusks, but they are shorter and thinner.
Walruses feed on bottom-living invertebrates, particularly mollusks, of which they consume only the soft muscular foot or siphon. They are thought to extract these portions by some form of suction. They also feed on crustaceans, starfish, fish and even mammals. Walruses are gregarious throughout the year. During the mating season, they congregate in traditional areas, where males compete for space near potential mates and display.