Between 40% and 50% of their body weight is fat, which is a higher proportion than for cetaceans that do not inhabit the Arctic, where fat only represents 30% of body weight. [38][39]The fat forms a layer that covers all of the body except the head, and it can be up to 15 cm (5.9 in) thick. See more The beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is an Arctic and sub-Arctic cetacean. It is one of two members of the family Monodontidae, along with the narwhal, and the only member of the genus Delphinapterus. It … See more Mitochondrial DNA studies have shown modern cetaceans last shared a common ancestor between 25 and 34 million years ago The superfamily Delphinoidea (which contains monodontids, dolphins and porpoises) split from other toothed whales, odontoceti, … See more Its body is round, particularly when well fed, and tapers less smoothly to the head than the tail. The sudden tapering to the base of its neck gives it the appearance of shoulders, unique among cetaceans. The tail-fin grows and becomes increasingly and ornately curved … See more The beluga inhabits a discontinuous circumpolar distribution in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. During the summer, they can mainly be … See more The beluga was first described in 1776 by Peter Simon Pallas. It is a member of the Monodontidae family, which is in turn part of the parvorder Odontoceti (toothed whales). The Irrawaddy dolphin was once placed in the same family, though recent genetic evidence … See more Social structure and play These cetaceans are highly sociable and they regularly form small groups, or pods, that may contain between two and 25 individuals, with an average of 10 members. Pods tend to be unstable, meaning individuals … See more There are currently 22 stocks of beluga whales recognized: 1. James Bay – 14,500 individuals (belugas remain here all year round) 2. Western Hudson … See more WebThe beluga is the only whale with a flexible neck. (Their vertebrae remain unfused.) Sometimes, curious whales will turn and look up at you as they pass near your boat. Belugas can swim an average speed of 16 -22 …
Beluga Whale Facts Weight, Size, Lifespan and Diet
WebAverage calf birth weight is 119-145 lbs (54-66 kg) and length is 4.5-5.1 feet (137-155 cm). The maximum adult weight reported is 3600 lbs (1633 kg). Belugas show sexual … WebMar 20, 2024 · beluga, (Delphinapterus leucas), also called white whale and belukha, a small, toothed whale found mainly in the coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean and adjacent … optimism explanatory style
Beluga Whale NOAA Fisheries
WebNov 19, 2024 · Cook Inlet’s beluga whale population is listed as endangered by the Endangered Species Act. Killer whales, apex predators, are known for their hunting and scavenging abilities. Males are typically … WebBelugas can swim an average speed of 16 -22 kilometers ( 10 - 13.5 miles) per hour, dive to depths of 600 meters (1,950 feet) and hold their breath for 15-20 minutes. The average … WebName: Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) Length: 3.5-6 metres. Weight: 1,100–1,600 kg. Location: Arctic and Sub-Arctic. Conservation status: Near-Threatened. Diet: Fish, also invertebrates. ... A Beluga can … portland oregon hawthorne district hotels