Narwhal
Monodon monoceros · Mammal, Vertebrate, Warm-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Monodontidae, order Artiodactyla, class Mammalia
Animal Category
Marine Animal
Breed / Variety
Arctic oceanic whale
Conservation Status
Least Concern, population trend decreasing due to climate change and hunting.
About This Creature
Medium-sized toothed whale remarkable for its long, straight helical tusk protruding from a left canine tooth. Typically gray, white, and mottled in appearance.
Physical Characteristics
Robust body, no dorsal fin, flukes with trailing edges concave, prominent spiral tusk in males.
Behavior & Temperament
Social animals forming pods, highly migratory, deep divers.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Arctic Ocean waters around Greenland, Canada, and Russia
Habitat
Ocean/Marine, Aquatic
Diet & Nutrition
Carnivorous, feeding on Greenland halibut, polar cod, shrimp, and squid.
Lifespan & Health
Up to 50 years in the wild; threatened by killer whales and polar bears.
Special Characteristics
Famous for the unicorn-like tusk, which is actually a sensory tooth containing millions of nerve endings.
Ecological Information
Apex predator of the Arctic marine ecosystem, serving as an indicator species for climate change.