Narwhal
Monodon monoceros
- Where
- Arctic waters of Canada and Greenland
- Habitat
- Deep, icy Arctic waters (0-1,500m)
- Diet
- Mainly arctic cod and shrimp
- Size
- 4-5 meters long, weighing up to 1,600 kg
- Lifespan
- 30-40 years in the wild
- Conservation
- Listed as Vulnerable due to climate change, hunting, and habitat loss; protected by international agreements like the IUCN Red List and CITES
Fun Facts
- The 'tusk' is actually a modified tooth that can grow up to 3 meters long!
- It's thought to be used for sensing prey and mates
- Only males have tusks—females have smaller, tooth-like protrusions
Learn More
Thick blubber keeps them warm in -1°C water
Gray skin with white patches helps hide from predators
They can hold their breath for up to 25 minutes