Beluga
The beluga whale, also known as the sturgeon, is considered the most vocal and communicative whale species. Their sonar system is vital for locating prey and ensuring survival.
Facts about Beluga
- Arctic
- Canada
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Jan Mayen
- Svalbard
- Europe
- Norway
Beluga Whale Quick Overview:
Scientific Name: Delphinapterus leucas
Population: Estimated at 136,000 globally
Regions: Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, including the coasts of North America, Russia, and Europe
Destinations: Jan Mayen, Iceland, Canada, Svalbard, Greenland, Norway
Average Length: Adult: Males: ~5 m (16.4 ft); Females: ~4-4.3 m (13.1-14.1 ft); Newborn: ~1.4 m (4.6 ft)
Average Weight: Adult: Males: ~1,500 kg (3,300 lbs); Females: ~1,200 kg (2,600 lbs); Newborn: ~50-60 kg (110-132 lbs)
Diet Habits: Primarily feeds on small squid, crabs, clams, shrimp, sandworms, and various kinds of fish, including salmon, herring, and Arctic cod
Beluga Whale Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Monodontidae
Genus: Delphinapterus
Species: Delphinapterus leucas
Beluga Whale Explorer Passport
English: Beluga Whale
Danish: Hvidhval
Chinese: 白鲸 (Bái jīng)
Swedish: Vitval
Finnish: Valas
Norwegian: Hvithval
Polish: Białucha arktyczna
Japanese: シロイルカ (Shiroiruka)
Spanish: Beluga
French: Béluga
Unlocking the Secrets of the Beluga Whale
What does a beluga whale look like?
Beluga whales are completely white or white-ish yellow. However, baby beluga whales are grey or grey-brown and gradually become whiter until they are grown up. In addition to their colour, they possess another unique feature among whales. Their flexible bodies, especially their necks, enable them to turn their heads. Unlike most whales, belugas lack a dorsal fin, instead having a small, wavy protuberance on their spines. Along with their small flippers, belugas have a very thick layer of blubber—up to 15 cm thick—that provides excellent insulation in freezing Arctic waters.
Where do beluga whales live?
Beluga whales habitat lies exclusively in the Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. They can be found in places like Jan Mayen, Iceland, Canada, Svalbard, Greenland and Norway, preferring coastal areas and shallow bays and travelling southward in large groups when the Arctic winter intensifies.
How big is a beluga whale?
Belugas are considered a small whale species, with adult sturgeon sizes varying from 4.2 m to 5 m (13.8 ft to 16.4 ft) in length and weighing between 1,200 kg and 2,000 kg (2,600 lbs to 4,400 lbs). As for the calves, a beluga whale baby is approximately 1.4 m at birth and generally weighs around 50 to 60 kg.
What do beluga whales eat?
The beluga whale diet mainly consists of bottom-living animals such as small fish, squid, crabs, shrimp, and sandworms.
Are beluga whales endangered?
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), beluga whales, with a global population of approximately 126,000 individuals, are in the 'Vulnerable' category of endangered species.
Are beluga whales friendly?
Yes! Belugas are known to be social, gentle, and friendly creatures, frequently interacting with humans and other marine life. They typically gather in groups of 5 to 20, which generally consist of either females with calves or all-male pods. Occasionally, more than 1,000 individuals can gather in pods!
How do beluga whales communicate?
These cetaceans are among the most audible whales, perhaps the most audible, and they have a very advanced language. Their sound includes clicks, whistles, chirps, and other high-frequency noises. Beluga whale sounds are not only for communication but also for echolocation, a very well-developed sonar system, which is used to find open water when the ice is closing and to find prey that is usually caught in deep water up to 800 m. No other whale species can produce as many diverse high-frequency sounds as the beluga, which is why they are also referred as “sea canaries”.
How Many of These 10 Beluga Whale Facts Did You Already Know?
Beluga Whale Fact #1:
Belugas usually dive for 1-2 minutes at a time down to a depth of 300m, but are able to dive over 1000 m deep
Beluga Whale Fact #2:
Belugas can change the shape of their mouth, so they appear to have many different facial expressions.
Beluga Whale Fact #3:
Sturgeon teeth are not used for chewing; they feed by suction instead.
Beluga Whale Fact #4:
Beluga whale lifespan is about 30-40 years, up to 50 years.
Beluga Whale Fact #5:
Sturgeon pregnancy takes about 14 months; calves are gray or brown at birth, but they lighten with age.
Beluga Whale Fact #6:
Beluga sturgeons are the closest relatives to narwhales.
Beluga Whale Fact #7:
A beluga caviar is one of the most expensive caviars in the world!
Beluga Whale Fact #8:
Polar bears and killer whales are recognised as the largest beluga whales predators .
Beluga Whale Fact #9:
Beluga whale adaptations include a flexible neck that allows them to turn their heads- something most whales can't do!
Beluga Whale Fact #10:
The largest sturgeon ever recorded was a female weighing 1,571 kg (3,463 lb).
Join on an Arctic adventure with Albatros Expeditions and witness the wonders of Arctic wildlife!