Beluga Whale

Delphinapterus leucas

Beluga whales are white whales with rounded heads. They are known for their chirping and whistling sounds.

Habitat: Cold Arctic and sub-Arctic seas.

Appearance

The Beluga Whale is a medium-sized cetacean with a distinct creamy white body and a rounded, bulbous forehead called a 'melon'. Unlike most whales, it lacks a dorsal fin and has a very flexible neck. Young belugas are born dark grey.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCetaceaFamilyMonodontidaeGenusDelphinapterus

Beluga Whale

Interesting facts

Belugas shed their entire outer skin layer each summer, rubbing on rocks to help it peel off!

Belugas use their flexible lips to suck up prey like a vacuum cleaner!

Their scientific name, Delphinapterus leucas, means 'white dolphin without a fin.'

They are born dark grey and gradually turn pure white as they get older!

Special abilities

Beluga Whales can use echolocation by emitting clicks and whistles to find food and navigate in murky Arctic waters.

Beluga Whales have a uniquely flexible neck that helps them turn their head to look around for prey and predators.

Beluga Whales can change the shape of their rounded forehead (melon) to focus sounds for super-accurate echolocation.

Measurements & details

Length: 350-550 cm
Weight: 1000-1500 kg
Lifespan: 35-60 years
Top Speed: 22 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 425-455 days

Diet & Feeding

These marine mammals enjoy eating fish, squid, and crustaceans from the cold ocean floor.

Primary Foods

Cod
Halibut
Shrimp
Squid
Crab

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Orca

Orcinus orca

Major predator in open waters.

eaten by

Polar Bear

Ursus maritimus

Preys on belugas trapped in ice openings.

hunts

Arctic Cod

Boreogadus saida

A primary food source in their Arctic habitat.

Traits

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Webbed Feet

These animals have special feet with skin between their toes, which helps them swim super fast!

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Filter Feeder

Discover amazing animals that filter their food right from the water! They have special ways to strain tiny bits of plants or other creatures to eat.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Echolocation

Listen closely to animals that use special sounds to "see" in the dark! They send out sound waves and listen to the echoes to find their way and catch prey.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.

Aquatic

Discover amazing creatures that call water their home, whether it's oceans, rivers, or lakes! These habitats are full of incredible life.

Marine

Dive into the vast, salty waters of the ocean, teeming with an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales! It's a watery wonderland.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.