The Beluga whale or white whale is an arctic creature that is part of the the family Monodontidae which is a group of unusual species of whale, the Beluga whale and the Narwhal. The males can grow up to 5.5 m (18 ft) long and weighing up to 1,600 kg (3,500 lb). Beluga whales usally travel in pods ranging from a few individuals to hundreds of whales.
What do Belugas eat?
Belugas eat a large variety of fish and crustacean species, including salmon, smelt, herring, Arctic and polar cod, shrimp, crabs, mollusks, and marine worms. They feed in both open water or on the bottom and in shallow and deepwater habitats. In order to maintain their energy these whales may consume on average between 2 % – 3 % of their body weight on a daily basis or 40 lbs. to 70 lbs. of food daily!
Social Structure