Details
Monodon monoceros
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.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses Arctic waters around sea ice and deep offshore areas. Seasonal movements take it between coastal regions and open water.
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.
Seasonal in activity, it travels in loose groups. It uses cracks and open water for breathing and makes deep foraging dives.
It is carnivorous, eating fish, squid, and bottom-associated prey. In deep water it relies heavily on sound to sense its surroundings.
Calves grow close to their mothers in cold seas. Mother and calf move with groups that use breathing areas and seasonal routes.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. Changing sea ice and increasing Arctic noise are concerns to watch.
