1. Size: Narwhals are typically smaller than beluga whales. Narwhals average between 13 to 18 feet in length, while beluga whales can grow up to 15 to 20 feet long.
2. Appearance: Narwhals are known for their long, spiral tusk, which is found on males only. Beluga whales, on the other hand, have no tusks and are instead characterized by their white or pale gray color, which has earned them the nickname "sea canary."
3. Habitat: Narwhals and beluga whales both inhabit the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and Alaska. However, narwhals tend to be more common in the northernmost regions, while beluga whales have a wider distribution and can be found in coastal and estuarine areas as well.
4. Diet: Narwhals primarily feed on fish, such as cod, halibut, and Greenland turbot. Beluga whales have a more varied diet and consume various fish species, invertebrates, and sometimes even smaller marine mammals like seals and porpoises.
5. Social Behavior: Narwhals are social animals and form pods that can range in size from a few individuals to over a hundred. Beluga whales are also social, but their pod sizes tend to be smaller, usually consisting of a few dozen individuals.
6. Conservation Status: Both narwhals and beluga whales are considered to be species of conservation concern. Narwhals are listed as "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to their relatively small population size and sensitivity to changes in their Arctic habitat. Beluga whales are also classified as "near threatened" or "vulnerable" in certain populations, primarily due to hunting, habitat loss, and climate change.
Overall, narwhals and beluga whales are distinct species with different physical characteristics, behaviors, and ecological roles in the Arctic ecosystem.