Home Why narwhals, the Arctic’s elusive ‘unicorn of the sea,’ are so unusual
Environment Science

Why narwhals, the Arctic’s elusive ‘unicorn of the sea,’ are so unusual

In addition to their unique tusks, the animals are remarkably at home in the Arctic sea ice.

By Kristin Laidre, University of Washington January 16, 2020
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Narwhals are often called the unicorns of the sea. The long tusk of the male narwhal sets these whales apart, but it’s not the only thing that makes Monodon monoceros among the most intriguing and mysterious marine mammals.

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