by L.S. Watts

Created on: June 12, 2009   Last Updated: June 13, 2009

The Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is one of only two members of the family Monodontidae. The Beluga Whale is known by other names as well. A couple of these names include the White Whale and the Sea Canary. The reason why it is referred to the White Whale is because of its appearance, yet others refer to it as the Sea Canary due to its high-pitched twitter type of vocalization. For a chance to listen to the wide range of sounds the Beluga produces, visit this

website.

Appearance

Adult Belugas are white to whitish gray in color. However, the calves are generally grayer in color than white. Male Belugas are slightly larger than the females. Males generally reach a length of 18 feet; where as the female Belugas only reach 13 feet in length. Males typically weigh between 2,400-3,500 pounds but the females only reach about 1,500-2,600 pounds.

The head of the Beluga is unique. Many toothed whales have a melon but the Beluga's melon is very bulbous and flexible. It is able to change the shape of its melon by blowing air through the sinuses. Another unique thing about the Beluga compared to other dolphins and whales is that vertebrae in the neck are not fused together providing them the flexibility of turning their heads laterally.

The body of the Beluga is round and tapers off toward the head and the tail. The Beluga has more of a ridge than a dorsal fin. Their flippers are more square shaped and short. The tail fin grows and becomes more curved as the whale gets older.

Life Cycle

Males tend to reach sexual maturity between the ages of four and seven years. The female, however, doesn't reach sexual maturity until they are six to nine years old. Although Belugas can mate any time of the year, they tend to mate generally between February and May.

The gestation period of the Beluga is 12-14 months. Once born, the calf weighs a mere 180 pounds and is only 4 feet in length. The calf stays with its mother for at least two years before venturing on its own. Most Belugas will live well into their fifties under excellent conditions.

Social Structure

Belugas are extremely social creatures. In fact, they are quite playful. They have been known to spray water at humans and other whales. Another interesting fact about the Beluga is that it is the only whale that can swim backwards. This makes it easy for those in captivity to surprise their trainers with a quick shower.

These whales travel in pods. The larger pods tend to be only male, whereas the females and

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