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Animals Up-Close

Encounters with the animals that call Mystic Aquarium home

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Delphinapterus leucas

Beluga Whales

Size

Avg range is between 12-15 ft (3.7-4.6 m) and 1600-2500 lbs in weight. That's around the same weight as a male American Bison.

Diet

Fish squid, octopus, shrimp, crab, marine worms and large zooplankton.

Habitat

Cold waters of the Arctic Ocean and sub-Arctic region.

Range

Areas of Russia, Canada, Norway, Greenland, and Alaska.

Conservation Status

Lc

Least Concern

Nt

Near Threatened

Vu

Vulnerable

En

Endangered

Cr

Critical

Lw

Extinct in Wild

Ex

Extinct

With their distinct color and shape, belugas are considered to be the most easily distinguishable of all whale species.

They may be best known for their most unique feature - their bulging melon. Some other notable distinctions include their dorsal ridge (most whales have fins) and their ability to easily navigate in both shallow river mouths and estuaries as well as ocean depths of over 2,500 feet.

Beluga Whale Quick Facts

How deep can beluga whales dive?

The maximum dive record for a beluga whale is 25 minutes and the deepest record dive was 3300 feet.

Can the beluga whale swim backwards?

Yes! The beluga whale is one of only a few whales that can swim backwards.

Do beluga whales have flexible necks?

Beluga whales are the only whale with a flexible neck so that they can turn their head

from side to side.

Why are beluga whales nicknamed the "canary of the sea"?

Beluga whales are nicknamed the “canary of the sea” because of the wide range of vocalizations that they are able to produce.

Animal Encounters

Book a private Zoom call with our belugas and their care team!