What are 3 interesting facts about beluga whales?

10 Interesting Facts about Beluga Whales

• Also known as “sea canaries,” belugas are one of the most the most vocal of all whales.
• The beluga is closely related to the narwhal; they are the only two members of the Monodontidae family.
• Beluga whales’ dives may last up to 25 minutes and can reach depths of 800 meters.

Which whales can swim backwards?

The New England population of Humpback Whales were the best known population to Europeans at the time of cataloging the species. Their long pectoral fins, which can reach lengths of 15 feet, allow them greater maneuverability, including the ability to swim backwards.

Can all whales swim backwards?

Belugas are among some of the only aquatic species that can swim backwards. Flipper couldn’t do that if he tried. Also, the vertebrae in a Beluga’s neck are not fused together, which gives them the unique ability to turn its head up, down and side-to-side.

Are beluga whales nice or mean?

11. Beluga whales are extremely friendly and social and form groups of an average of 10 whales, but during their summer migration they can gather in the thousands (like they do in the warmer waters of the Churchill and Seal River estuaries where they feed and give birth). 12.

How long does it take for a beluga to turn white?

eight years
7. The word beluga comes from the Russian word “bielo” meaning white. However, these white whales are born dark gray. It can take up to eight years before they turn completely white.

How long can belugas hold their breath?

A typical dive usually lasts less than ten minutes, but belugas can stay submerged for more than 15 minutes. All marine mammals have physiological adaptations for diving. These adaptations enable a beluga whale to conserve oxygen while it’s under water.

Why is a beluga whale not a dolphin?

Belugas are toothed whales, and are not part of the oceanic dolphin family. These whales are easily recognizable from their white color, lack of a dorsal fin and range of vocal sounds (which earned them the nickname of “canary of the sea”).

How do belugas mate?

Belugas tend to mate from late February to early April. The males chase down the females, making all sorts of noises. The male throws down his tail and bends violently, then he throws his head up and down as his melon vibrates to ward off any other males who might attempt to mate with this female.

Why do beluga scare kids?

“The open mouth and posturing are typical of the way cetaceans express aggression and I’ve seen a lot in captivity in the very same circumstances. This poor animal is telling the kids: ‘Get away’. It’s a threat,” Dr. “While belugas and other cetaceans in the wild make the same aggressive motions (open mouth, etc.)

Why do beluga whales turn their heads side to side?

The vertebrae in a beluga’s neck is not fused together, giving it the unusual ability to turn its head up, down and side-to-side. 1. Threats to beluga whales include climate change, hunting, oil and gas development, and industrial and urban pollution.

How much do you know about beluga whales?

Beluga whales’ dives may last up to 25 minutes and can reach depths of 800 meters. 7. The word beluga comes from the Russian word “bielo” meaning white. However, these white whales are born dark gray. It can take up to eight years before they turn completely white. 6. The beluga is able to swim backwards.

What adaptations do beluga whales have for cold water?

Very thick layer of blubber, thick skin, relatively small tail flukes and pectoral flippers, and absence of a dorsal fin are adaptations for life in cold water. The melon is the rounded structure on the top of the beluga’s head, just in front of the blowhole.

Do Belugas have dorsal fins?

Belugas, like other arctic whales, do not have dorsal fins (a dorsal fin causes extra heat loss and would be a major hindrance in the arctic ice), but they do have a tough dorsal ridge. They also have a thick layer of blubber that insulates them from the icy arctic waters. 2.