Narwhal - Unicorn Whales - Animal Fact Guide

Narwhals are mid-sized whales that live in the cold waters of the Arctic Circle near northern Canada and Greenland. They are largely recognizable by the long spiraled tooth that projects from their heads.

Narwhals breaching in the Arctic waters. Photo by Glenn Williams / NIST.

Narwhals grow between 4 and 6 m (12-20 ft.) in length and can weigh 1,600 kg (3,500 lb.).

They have black and white mottled skin. Appearing to resemble the bodies of drowned soldiers, the name narwhal derives from the old Norse word nar meaning corpse.

Unicorns of the Sea

Narwhals are often called “unicorns of the sea” because it looks like they have a long horn. But their “horn” is actually a tooth!

Male narwhals possess a long spiraled tooth that comes out of their heads. This tusk can reach up to 3 m (10 ft.) in length and grows continually to replace wear.

Researchers are unsure of the exact purpose of the tooth. Some believe it serves as an attractive ornament for mating, while others believe it is used as a weapon to fight rivals.

One researcher concluded that the tusk has the ability to detect changes in water temperature and pressure.

Photo by Dr. Kristin Laidre, Polar Science Center, UW NOAA/OAR/OER.

Narwhals also have a second tooth that measures about 30 cm (1 ft.) long, but it remains embedded in the skull.

Some females have been spotted with a protruding tooth, though not nearly as long as that of the males. There have even been some males with two long protruding teeth.

What Narwhals Eat

Narwhals feed more regularly in the winter, consuming fish like cod and halibut, shrimp, and squid.

Preying on creatures primarily on the bottom of the sea, they dive on average 800 m (.5 mi.), but can go twice that. The dives last around 25 minutes.

In the summer, narwhals feed rarely, having stored up enough energy during the winter feeding season. They return to the same feeding grounds each year.

Social Life

Like many other whales, narwhals travel in groups. Their pods average 15-20 whales. Sometimes multiple pods will meet in social groups of up to 100 whales, although it is hard to get exact numbers.

Narwhals have proven difficult for researchers to tag and track, mainly due to the cold and icy water conditions and the fact that narwhals do not come very close to shore.

Pod of narwhals off Greenland. Photo by Dr. Kristin Laidre, Polar Science Center, UW NOAA/OAR/OER.

Narwhal Reproduction

Female narwhals give birth to a calf once every 3 years. The pregnancy lasts for about 14 months, and calves are born in the spring.

At birth, narwhals are approximately 1.5 m (5 ft.) in length. Calves nurse for about a year. They reach maturity between 6 and 9 years.

In the wild, narwhals can live up to 50 years.

They are preyed upon by polar bears and walruses if they get trapped by shifting ice. Off shore they are attacked by killer whales (also known as orcas).

Conservation Status

Narwhals are currently considered a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List, but many of the areas inhabited by narwhals are subject to drilling and mining, which produces waste that is dangerous to all animal populations.

Narwhal populations are also negatively impacted by climate change. The reduction of sea ice allows more killer whales into the nearshore areas where narwhals spend their summers.

What You Can Do to Help

One way you can help is to get involved with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.

Narwhal Range

Narwhals inhabit the cold waters of the Arctic Circle near northern Canada and Greenland.

Narwhal Resources

• American Cetacean Society – Narwhal
• Harvard Gazette
• Narwhal.org
• IUCN Red List – Narwhal
• National Geographic – Narwhal

Quick Fact Sheet

Common Name(s): Narwhal

Scientific Name: Monodon monoceros

Animal Type: mammal

Size: 4-6 m (12-20 ft.) long

Weight: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb.)

Lifespan: Up to 50 years

Conservation Status: Least Concern

About the Author

P.A. Smith is a middle school Language Arts teacher. He is also a contributing editor of My House Rabbit.

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