BELUGA (T) 



Delphinaptems leucas (Pallas 1776) 



Other Common Names 



White porpoise, white 

 marsouin blanc (Quebec). 



whale, belukha, sea canary. 



Description 



Belugas reach a maximum overall length of about 16 feet 

 (4.9 m). Males are slightly larger than females. In the western 

 North Atlantic they have been found to grow to greatest 

 lengths in oceanic environments near the southern 

 e.xtremities of their ranges, though they are found in far 

 greater abundance in estuarine areas of the Arctic. Belugas 

 have extremely robust bodies tapering to a distinct "neck" 

 region and a very small head relative to body size. 



They do not have a dorsal fin. Instead, along the back just 

 behind the midpoint there is a narrow ridge notched laterally 

 to form a series of small bumps. These ridges may be clearly 

 visible on a swimming animal. 



Newborn belugas are brown. As they age, they gradually 

 lighten through slate gray, and by their sixth or seventh year 

 have assumed the all-white coloration characteristic of adult 

 animals. 



Natural History Notes 



Belugas feed on a variety of fishes (including cod and 

 capelin), on squid, and on a variety of benthic crustaceans. 



They are frequently found in shallow bays and river 

 mouths, where the young are born, and occasionally ascend 

 rivers. 



May Be Confused With 



Because of their limited distribution, all-white coloration 

 and lack of a dorsal fin, belugas are unlikely to be confused 

 with any other species of cetacean. 



Figure 108 - A group of three belugas surfacing to breathe off northwestern Alaska. The animal to the right has just begun to exhale, the middle ammal is 

 in the midst of his inhalation, and the animal on the left has completed his blow and is preparing to dive. Note the aU-white coloration and, on the center 

 animal, the small dorsal ridge just emerging from the water. DetaUs of the dorsal ridge are clearly visible in the inset photograph. {Photos by O. C. Kay 



and K. G. Hewlett [inset].) 



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