Narwhals, monodon monoceros, are considered the unicorns of the sea, except for the fact that they are actually real. They measure 13 to 20 feet (4 to 6.1 meters) in length and weigh anywhere from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds (900 to 1,600 kilograms) with females being smaller than males. Adult narwhals usually have a black and white coloration with older narwhals being completely white sometimes. Their name is a Danish word which means ‘corpse whale’ since they are known to often swim belly up and lay motionless for a very long time. Narwhals also lack a dorsal fin and instead have what is called a dorsal ridge. The most unique trait of these whales is the long tusk sticking out from their faces. These spiral tusks are actually an elongated tooth that pushes out through the upper lip. The ivory tusks are a trait found almost exclusively in males as there have been rare sightings of females growing one, though not as prominent. There have even been reports of males with 2 tusks here and there.
Narwhals can usually be found in the Russian and Atlantic waters of the Arctic, although they have been known to travel around Greenland and eastern Russia. They tend to stay close to the surface, but are able to dive up to 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) into the water. They often travel in groups of anywhere from 10 to 100 individuals, although there have been sightings of hundreds, or even thousands, of narwhals all gathering together. They use various squeals, clicks, and trills to communicate with one another. Males will often cross tusks with each other in a behavior known as “tusking”, which may be a form of dueling, friendly contact, or even a way of cleaning the tooth (tusk). Their tusks have also been known to be used to break sea ice common in their Arctic home.
The diet of narwhals consists of squid, fish, shrimp and other aquatic creatures. Despite their long tusks, these whales do not actually impale their food in order to catch them. Instead, they will suck prey into their mouths and proceed to swallow it whole. Narwhals have few natural predators, with killer whales (orcas) and Greenland sharks being their most common threats. Polar bears and walruses have also been known to kill and consume narwhals that have been trapped shifting pack ice.
Breeding season for narwhals takes place from March to May. After a gestation period of up to 16 months, females will give birth to a single offspring (called a calf). Calves are usually brown or blotchy gray with no spots and will nurse for over a year. Females will give birth every 3 years or so. If the calves can survive long enough, they may live to be 50 years old.
Narwhals are an endangered species of whale. Climate change is their greatest threat along with illegal hunting. They are hunted for their skin and especially for their tusks. Some people believe the tusks have magical healing and aphrodisiac properties. Studying them has proven difficult as they are rather elusive creatures. Hopefully, narwhals are able to rebound from such threats and increase their numbers. After all, such a mysterious and magnificent creature deserves to live and prosper for future generations to see.
