Narwhal

Monodon monoceros

NT Carnivore Arctic Waters
Up to 1600 kg
Weight
50–60 yrs
Lifespan
45 km/h
Top Speed
Arctic
Found In

Weighing Up to 1600 kg, the Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) ranks as one of the heaviest carnivore mammals (#2 of 32). Native to Arctic, it lives in Arctic Waters habitats and is classified as Near Threatened.

Physical Characteristics & Habitat

Size & Speed

Metric Narwhal Carnivore Mammals Median Difference
Weight 1.6K kg 50 kg ↑ 3100%
Height 500 cm
Top Speed 45 km/h 48 km/h ↓ 6%
Avg Speed 45 km/h
Weight (kg)1.6Kavg 50Speed (km/h)45avg 48Lifespan (yrs)55avg 12.5

Habitat & Distribution

The Narwhal inhabits Arctic Waters habitats. It can be found in Arctic.

Typical coloring: Gray, Mottled White.

Diet & Predators

Diet: Carnivore
Predators: Polar Bears, Orcas

Behavior & Reproduction

Social Structure

The Narwhal is a solitary species belonging to the Monodontidae family.

Reproduction

Gestation Period: 14–16 months
Offspring per Birth: 1
Lifespan: 50–60 years

Conservation & Comparison

IUCN Conservation Status

NT The Narwhal is classified as Near Threatened. There are 14 species with the same status in our database.

Species Comparison

Among 32 carnivore mammals, the Narwhal’s weight of Up to 1600 kg is significantly higher than the group median of 50 kg.

Weight rank: #2 of 14 Near Threatened species.

# Species Weight Status
1 White Rhinoceros 1800–2500 kg NT
2 Narwhal Up to 1600 kg NT
3 American Bison 318–1000 kg NT
4 Markhor Up to 110 kg NT
5 Gerenuk 28–52 kg NT

Related Species

How much does a Narwhal weigh?

A Narwhal typically weighs Up to 1600 kg, which is exceptionally high compared to the median of 50 kg among carnivore mammals.

What is the conservation status of the Narwhal?

The Narwhal is classified as “Near Threatened”. There are 14 species with the same status in our database.

Where does the Narwhal live?

The Narwhal is found in Arctic, in arctic waters habitats.

How does the Narwhal reproduce?

The Narwhal has a gestation period of 14–16 months and typically produces 1 offspring per birth.

Data Sources: IUCN, WWF, National Geographic, Smithsonian Institution.

Last Updated: April 10, 2026