The narwhal, a whale species recognized by its singular, elongated tusk, inhabits the frigid waters of the Arctic. This prominent canine tooth can extend several meters. Living year-round in the remote Arctic, often amidst dense sea ice, the narwhal’s feeding habits remain a subject of scientific study. Its adaptations allow it to thrive in this challenging environment.
Narwhal’s Main Prey and Hunting Techniques
Narwhals primarily consume a specialized diet of prey found in their Arctic habitat. Their main food sources include fish like Greenland halibut, polar cod, and Arctic cod, along with invertebrates such as shrimp and armhook squid (Gonatus fabricii). Narwhals are deep-diving cetaceans, plunging up to 2,370 meters (7,780 feet) to access these bottom-dwelling food sources. They use a unique suction feeding strategy, drawing in prey with their mouths. This method is effective because they lack well-developed teeth, allowing them to swallow prey whole.
Observations reveal the narwhal’s tusk plays a role in hunting. Drone footage shows narwhals using their tusks to tap and stun small fish, like Arctic cod, making them easier to capture. This behavior suggests direct involvement in their feeding process. The tusk, rich in nerves, may also function as a sensory organ, detecting water chemistry changes and aiding in food location. Narwhals also use echolocation, emitting clicks and buzzing sounds, to navigate and pinpoint prey in dark, deep waters.
Dietary Changes Throughout the Year
The narwhal’s diet varies seasonally, adapting to prey availability across their Arctic range. During winter, narwhals feed intensively, primarily targeting demersal (bottom-dwelling) prey like Greenland halibut and Gonatus squid. They undertake deep dives to forage in dense pack ice areas, where these energy-rich species are abundant. This winter feeding period is crucial for accumulating fat reserves to sustain them year-round.
In contrast, the summer ice-free season (July to September) involves less intense feeding. While they still consume Arctic cod, Greenland halibut, and polar cod, their stomach contents show reduced evidence of recent feeding. Narwhals migrate to shallower summering grounds, with movements influenced by food source distribution. This seasonal shift in feeding and prey preference shows the narwhal’s adaptability to the dynamic Arctic environment, linking migration to specialized diet availability.