Physical Characteristics
An adult male beluga whale averages from 11.2-15.1 feet in length and weight about 3,307 pounds, while a female beluga is 9.8-13.1 feet long and weighs around 2,998 pounds. When a beluga reaches the age of ten (give or take a few years), it has reached its full size.
A beluga whale lacks a dorsal fin, which helps when swimming under ice to locate breathing holes, but they do have a dorsal ridge that runs from the midpoint of the back to the tail flukes.
The neck of a beluga whale has seven neck vertebrae which are not fused, which means that a beluga has better mobility and flexibility in its neck.
Belugas have an average of 34 peg-shaped teeth that are used for grasping and tearing rather than chewing.
Coloring
Beluga whale calves are born with a gray or bluish/brownish gray and turn darker after the first month. However, from then on out they gradually become lighter. Adult belugas are yellowish-white or creamy white, and by the age of thirteen, nearly solid white.
Social Life
Beluga whales live in groups of 2 to 25 whales called pods. These pods usually have males and females, although mothers and calves form separate pods during calving season frequently. During migration, pods might join together to make large groups of 200 to 10,000 whales.
Belugas are very social and playful. They may chase each other, playfully or aggressively, and rub against each other. Belugas also have curiosity toward humans and it's not rare to see one swim up to a boat.
Belugas are very vocal and have earned the nick-name "sea canaries". Their language includes high-pitched whistles and squeals, clucks, mews, chirps, trills, and bell-like noises.
The beluga's habitat overlaps with the habitat of narwhals. They will often migrate with bowhead whales.
Beluga whales are able to dive to at least 2,000 feet and can submerge for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Reproduction
Male beluga whales must be around eight to nine years of age to reproduce, while females only have to be four to seven. A female beluga can have a single calf every two to three years. Twins are possible, though rare.
Threats and Enemies
In some senarios, beluga whales become trapped by ice and can't reach the ocean. Polar bears take advantage of this, preying on the whales while they are helpless. Orca whales are also main natural predators.
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