Narwhal coloration changes with age
A narwhal's colour changes markedly over its lifetime, which helps researchers estimate age from appearance. Calves are born dark, almost uniform grey or bluish-grey. As they grow, the skin develops the mottled grey-and-white pattern typical of adults, with dark blotches over a lighter background. Older narwhals tend to become paler still, and the oldest individuals can appear nearly white over much of the body. This progression from dark to light is gradual and continuous, so colour gives only a rough guide to age, but it is a useful field clue when scientists observe narwhals from boats or the air.
Sources: NOAA Fisheries — Narwhal; IUCN Red List — Narwhal (Monodon monoceros). Educational information only. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
Calves of the narwhal coloration changes with age?
Dark, nearly uniform grey
Old adults of the narwhal coloration changes with age?
Become very pale, sometimes nearly white
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