Skip to main content
133 Featured Specimen
Narwhal

Details

Narwhal

Monodon monoceros

Size
4–5.5 m · 0.8–1.6 t
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Seasonal
Sociality
Loose group
Lifespan
10-20 years

The narwhal is a seasonally moving toothed whale of the Arctic Ocean. It travels in loose groups through icy seas and dives deeply for prey.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
Arctic OceanArctic OceanArctic Ocean

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses Arctic waters around sea ice and deep offshore areas. Seasonal movements take it between coastal regions and open water.

Appearance

Body length is about 395-550 cm and weight about 800-1,600 kg. The long tusk, mottled body, and lack of a tall dorsal fin are distinctive.

Behavior

Seasonal in activity, it travels in loose groups. It uses cracks and open water for breathing and makes deep foraging dives.

Feeding

It is carnivorous, eating fish, squid, and bottom-associated prey. In deep water it relies heavily on sound to sense its surroundings.

Reproduction

Calves grow close to their mothers in cold seas. Mother and calf move with groups that use breathing areas and seasonal routes.

Notes

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Changing sea ice and increasing Arctic noise are concerns to watch.