Narwhals

Narwhals are medium-sized whales that live in the Arctic Ocean. They are sometimes called the unicorns of the sea because of the long, spiral tusk that grows from their head. This tusk can be up to 10 feet long and is actually a giant tooth!

The Amazing Tusk

A narwhal's tusk is actually a long tooth that grows through the upper lip. It spirals to the left and can grow throughout the narwhal's life. The tusk has millions of nerve endings and can sense changes in water temperature and saltiness. Usually only males have tusks.

A narwhal swimming with its long, pointy tusk.
A narwhal swimming with its long, pointy tusk. (Проектный офис Нарвал / Wikimedia Commons)

Arctic Life

Narwhals live in some of the coldest waters on Earth. They spend their entire lives in the Arctic. Narwhals can dive over 5,000 feet deep and hold their breath for up to 25 minutes. They eat fish, squid, and shrimp. Narwhals live in groups called pods.

Fun Facts

  • A narwhal's tusk is actually a tooth with 10 million nerve endings.
  • They can dive deeper than almost any other marine mammal.
  • Narwhals can live for up to 90 years.

Did You Know?

In medieval times, narwhal tusks were sold as unicorn horns and were worth more than their weight in gold! People believed they had magical powers.