Narwhals: The Unicorns of the Sea

For centuries, narwhal tusks were sold in Europe as genuine "unicorn horns" — prized for their supposed magical properties and worth more than gold. Today we know the truth about the narwhal (Monodon monoceros): it's a real, remarkable whale with a tusk full of surprising secrets.

What Is the Narwhal's Tusk?

The narwhal's "tusk" is actually a long, spiral tooth that grows from the upper left jaw and can reach up to 10 feet (3 m) in length. It grows straight through the narwhal's lip. About 85% of narwhals with tusks are male. Rarely, a narwhal grows two tusks; even more rarely, females grow one.

What Does the Tusk Do?

For centuries, scientists debated this. Recent research revealed the tusk is packed with millions of nerve endings connecting to the outside world. It can detect changes in water temperature, pressure, and salinity — essentially acting as a giant sensory antenna. Males also use their tusks in gentle sparring to establish dominance.

Where Do Narwhals Live?

Narwhals live exclusively in the Arctic Ocean — around Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. They spend winters under sea ice, surfacing through cracks and holes to breathe. They can dive over 5,000 feet deep and stay underwater for up to 25 minutes.

Are Narwhals Endangered?

Narwhals are currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Their biggest threat is climate change — melting Arctic sea ice disrupts their habitat and hunting grounds. They are also hunted legally by Inuit communities for food and for their tusks.

Amazing Narwhal Facts

• Narwhals have no dorsal fin — which helps them swim under sea ice.
• Their name comes from Old Norse meaning "corpse whale" — referring to their mottled grey skin resembling a drowned sailor.
• Groups of narwhals are called pods and can contain up to 100 individuals.
• Narwhals eat Arctic cod, shrimp, squid, and flatfish — mostly in winter under the ice.
• Their tusks are perfectly spiraled left — always counterclockwise.