Narwhal skin and mattak

Filed under Narwhal · Narwhal Whales editorial team

A narwhal's skin is a defining feature of this Arctic cetacean, characterized by a mottled grey coloration that transforms throughout the animal's lifetime. Young narwhals display darker pigmentation, while older individuals develop increasingly pale patches and white coloring as they mature. This dynamic appearance reflects physiological changes in the skin structure itself. The skin is notably thick and serves dual purposes: it provides essential protection against the harsh Arctic environment and contributes significantly to the animal's thermal regulation in waters that remain near freezing year-round.

Beneath the narwhal's outer skin lies a thin layer of blubber that works in concert with the skin to insulate the animal against cold. Together, these layers form what the Inuit peoples call mattak—a traditional food source harvested and consumed for centuries across the Arctic. The term mattak (also spelled maktaaq) refers specifically to the combination of skin and blubber, prized for its distinctive texture and nutritional properties. In regions where fresh plant foods are limited by climate and geography, mattak provides essential nutrients, notably vitamin C, supporting the health of Arctic communities.

The significance of narwhal skin extends beyond cultural and nutritional value to encompass fundamental biology. The skin's thickness and structure have evolved to meet the demands of life in one of Earth's most extreme marine environments. Understanding the narwhal's integumentary system—its coloration changes, protective functions, and role in insulation—illuminates how this species has adapted to survive and thrive in the Arctic Ocean.

Sources: NOAA Fisheries — Narwhal; IUCN Red List — Narwhal (Monodon monoceros). Educational information only. See our sources & fact-check policy.

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