Monodon monoceros

Narwhals are Arctic cetaceans known for their distinctive long, spiral tusk, which is actually an elongated upper left canine tooth that projects from the left side of the upper jaw and grows throughout the animal's life. They are social animals, often found in groups of 5 to 10 individuals, but larger aggregations can occur in areas with abundant food. Narwhals are deep divers, reaching depths of up to 1,500 meters (4,920 feet) to feed on fish, squid, and shrimp.

Narwhals have a gestation period of around 14 months, with calving occurring between June and August. Females give birth to a single calf every 3 to 4 years. Calves are nursed for over a year and remain dependent on their mothers during this time.

Narwhals are medium-sized whales, with males reaching lengths of up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) and females slightly smaller. The most notable feature of the narwhal is the male's tusk, which can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) long. Not all males develop a tusk, and occasionally, females may grow a small one. Their bodies are mottled gray, providing camouflage in Arctic waters.

Narwhals have long been a part of Inuit culture and economy, hunted for their meat, skin, tusks, and as a source of vitamin C in their diet. The tusk was once believed in European culture to be the horn of the mythical unicorn.

The IUCN lists narwhals as Near Threatened, with climate change posing the most significant threat to their habitat. Melting sea ice affects their prey availability and opens the Arctic to more shipping and industrial activity, increasing the risk of pollution and collisions. Other threats include entanglement in fishing gear and hunting. Conservation efforts are focused on understanding the impacts of climate change on narwhal populations and regulating hunting to ensure it remains sustainable.