Hallmaws

Powerful sperm whales, cherethrynd (S. "Hallmaw"; sing. "Charothrond") reside in the deep waters of the Belegaer, off the western coasts of Middle-earth. Unlike most whales, they sport teeth—nine inch long teeth — and they hunt fish and squid rather than consuming krill through a baleen strainer. The charothrond's favorite food and most dangerous rival is the Giant Squid.

Although wily and capable of upsetting a good-sized vessel, cherethrynd are vulnerable to the ruthless Umbarean whalers who sail the oceans near the Bay of Belfalas. These Men hunt lone whales for their oil, bone, and ambergris. (The latter is an indigestible chalky substance that forms around Squid beaks and, in spite of its hideous smell, makes wonderful perfumes.)