Beluga Whale
Delphinapterus leucas
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Cetacea · Monodontidae
About
The beluga whale, is an Arctic and sub-Arctic cetacean. It is one of two living members of the family Monodontidae, along with the narwhal, and the only member of the genus Delphinapterus. It is also known as the white whale, as it is the only cetacean to regularly occur with this colour; the sea canary, due to its high-pitched calls; and the melonhead, though that more commonly refers to the melon-headed whale, which is an oceanic dolphin.
Fun Fact
Beluga whales are called 'canaries of the sea' because they produce an extraordinary range of clicks, whistles, and chirps — and they can change the shape of their melon (forehead) to direct sound beams.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Arctic and subarctic coastal waters
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
35-50 years
Threats
- Ocean Acidification
- Overfishing