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Science & Nature • Marine mammal

Narwhal

The narwhal is a species of toothed whale native to Arctic waters.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is a species of toothed whale native to Arctic waters. It is best known for the long tusk usually present in males, which is an elongated tooth. The species is the only living member of its genus and is closely related to the beluga whale.

Taxonomy and classification

The narwhal is a toothed whale in the species Monodon monoceros. It is the sole living member of the genus Monodon and one of two living members of the family Monodontidae, alongside the beluga whale.

Physical characteristics

Narwhals are medium-sized whales with mottled grey-and-white colouring and a shallow ridge instead of a dorsal fin. Males usually develop a long, spiralled tusk, which is an elongated tooth.

Range and habitat

Narwhals live in Arctic waters and are associated with the North Atlantic Arctic, including waters around Canada and Greenland. They often spend time near sea ice and migrate seasonally between offshore wintering areas and coastal summering grounds.

Behaviour and ecology

Narwhals are deep-diving marine mammals and feed on Arctic prey such as fish and squid. Their ecological life cycle is closely tied to sea ice and seasonal movements.

Key facts

  • Narwhals are Arctic cetaceans and the only living species in the genus Monodon.
  • Male narwhals typically have a long tusk formed from an elongated tooth.
  • They are closely related to beluga whales, both in family Monodontidae.
  • Narwhals are found in Canadian Arctic waters and are important in Inuit culture.
  • They are currently listed as Least Concern by conservation assessments.
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Canadian context

Narwhals are strongly associated with the Canadian Arctic, where they are found in waters around Nunavut and other northern regions and have long been important in Inuit subsistence and culture.

Frequently asked questions

What is a narwhal?
A narwhal is an Arctic toothed whale, scientifically named Monodon monoceros.
Why are narwhals called the unicorns of the sea?
They are nicknamed the unicorns of the sea because males usually have a long tusk that resembles a horn.
Are narwhals whales or dolphins?
Narwhals are whales, specifically toothed whales in the suborder Odontoceti.
Do all narwhals have tusks?
No. The tusk is most common in males, though some females may also develop one.
Where do narwhals live?
Narwhals live in Arctic marine waters, especially around Canada, Greenland, and nearby high-latitude seas.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/narwhal
    Supports: Species identity, Arctic habitat, and general characteristics.
  2. NOAA — https://www.noaa.gov/ocean-fact/narwhal/
    Supports: Toothed whale status, tusk description, and Arctic distribution.
  3. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/narwhal
    Supports: Scientific name, size, diet, and conservation status summary.
  4. IFAW — https://www.ifaw.org/animals/narwhals
    Supports: Range, tusk development, migration, and Canadian Arctic relevance.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narwhal
    Supports: Only living member of genus Monodon and family classification alongside beluga.