Beluga whale

The Beluga whale belongs to the order of Cetaces. This order is further divided into three suborders: the toothed whales, or Odontoceti, the baleen whales, or Mysticeti, and the Archaeoceti. The Beluga is a member of the Odontoceti. Its' family name is Monodontidae. Its genus name is Dephinapteres leucas, which means "dolphin without a fin." The species name leucas, means "white." The Beluga is derived from the Russian word Belukha.

Beluga or "white whales" are not born white. They are gray and get lighter until approximately age six, when they are completely white. This lightening is caused by a reduction of melanin in the skin. Adults are yellowish-white to creamy white. They attain their whiteness upon reaching sexual maturity. Males reach sexual maturity at 8 or 9 years, while females become sexually mature at from 4 to 7 years of age.

The male averages between 11.2 feet and 15.1 feet with a we

Beluga whales can become trapped by ice in which they starve or suffocate. Killer whales and polar bears prey upon the Beluga whales.

The Beluga has several unique characteristics in its body make-up. It does not have a dorsal fin. This allows the Beluga to swim under ice caps. It also can turn its neck. The seven neck vertebrae are not fused. This allows them greater mobility and flexibility.

3. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/whales/species/Beluga.shtml

7. http://nmml.afsc.noaa.gov/CetaceanAssessment/Draft_EIS.pdf

5. http://exn.ca/mini/endangered/beluga.cfm

The Beluga whale relies in sound production and reception to navigate, communicate, and locate breathing holes and to hunt in the dark. The beluga whale is nicknamed “sea canaries.” They are very vocal. Scientist has documented 11 different vocals. These vocals include high-pitched, resonant whistles, squeals, cluck, mews, and bell-like tones. These tones can be heard above water and through a ship’s hull. Beluga whales are thought to communicate through facial expressions and physical contact.

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