Narwhal Tusk: The Unicorn of the Sea
The narwhal's tusk is one of nature's most unique features. But what exactly is it, and why do narwhals have them?
What IS the Narwhal Tusk?
The tusk is actually a modified tooth - specifically the left canine tooth that grows through the upper lip in a spiral pattern.
Tusk Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Elongated canine tooth |
| Length | Up to 10 feet (3 meters) |
| Weight | Up to 22 pounds |
| Direction | Counter-clockwise spiral |
| Material | Ivory (dentin) |
| Nerves | Up to 10 million nerve endings |
Who Has Tusks?
- Males: Nearly all (~95%) grow tusks
- Females: Rarely (~15%) grow tusks
- Double tusks: About 1 in 500 males
- Female tusks: Usually shorter
Why Do Narwhals Have Tusks?
Sensory Function
The tusk is incredibly sensitive:
- Contains millions of nerve endings
- Can detect water temperature changes
- Senses salinity (salt levels)
- May detect fish movement
Social Signaling
- Males with longer tusks may attract females
- Tusking (crossing tusks) seen between males
- May indicate status and strength
NOT for Fighting
Despite appearances:
- Tusks are too fragile for combat
- Broken tusks are common
- No evidence of aggressive tusk use
The Spiral Design
Always Counter-Clockwise
- Every narwhal tusk spirals left
- Even double-tusked narwhals
- Reason still debated by scientists
- May help with water flow
Medieval Unicorn Horns
Narwhal tusks were sold as unicorn horns:
- Worth 10x their weight in gold
- Believed to have magical properties
- Used to detect poison
- Only nobles could afford them
- Vikings kept the source secret
Conservation
Narwhals face growing threats:
- Climate change: Melting Arctic ice
- Hunting: Still legal in some areas
- Oil drilling: Habitat disruption
- Population: ~80,000 remaining