Whales
By: Mikaela Mookini
What is a whale?
Whales are Ceteceans. Ceteceans have two sub catagories, baleen and toothed. All dolphins are whales but not all whales are dolphins.
Beluga Whale
Name
Common Name - Beluga whale or White Whale
Scientific Name - Delphinapterus leucas
Range
Beluga whales live in artic oceans coastal waters and sometimes found in sub-artic waters. They migrate southward during the winter because the sea freezes over. Animals trapped in the ice die or became prey for polar bears, killer whales and Artic people.
Appearance
Beluga whales are known for their color. Calves are born grey or light brown, but bleach out as they mature. Beluga whales can reach up to 3000 lbs and 14-20 ft long. They have a life span of 35-50 years. They have no dorsal fin and rounded foreheads. They live in large family pods and are very social and vocal animals.
Diet
Beluga whales feed on fish, crustaceans, and worms.
Threats
In the north, they are hunted by Artic people and commercial fisherman to near extinction.
Random Facts
- They are heavier than pianos but short than a school bus
- They have a layer of blubber five inches thick
- They have flexible necks allowing them to turn their heads in all directions