Narwhal vs beluga: how to tell them apart
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Narwhals and belugas are the only two living members of the family Monodontidae, sharing the cold waters of the Arctic. Both are medium-sized toothed whales, and both lack a true dorsal fin, an adaptation that helps them swim beneath sea ice.
The most striking difference between the two species is the narwhal's long spiral tusk, an extended tooth most often seen in males. Belugas lack this feature entirely. In coloration, the species also differ: belugas are typically pale white as adults, while narwhals display a mottled grey pattern.
Belugas are notably vocal animals, a trait that has earned them the nickname "canaries of the sea." The two species occasionally overlap in range, and they have even been documented hybridising with one another. Despite their differences, their close relationship within Monodontidae reflects the many traits they share, including their broadly similar body size and their shared reliance on Arctic waters.
Sources: NOAA Fisheries — Narwhal; NOAA Fisheries — Beluga Whale. Educational information only. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
Relationship of the narwhal vs beluga: how to tell them apart?
Closest relatives (family Monodontidae)
Color of the narwhal vs beluga: how to tell them apart?
Beluga: white; Narwhal: mottled grey
Tusk of the narwhal vs beluga: how to tell them apart?
Beluga: none; Narwhal: males have one
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