Quick answer
The beluga whale is a white Arctic cetacean with a flexible neck and rich vocal repertoire — nicknamed 'canary of the sea'. Weighing up to 1,400 kg, living about 50 years, and swimming 22 km/h, it lives in social pods in icy estuaries — listed Near Threatened.
Key takeaway
The beluga whale is a white Arctic cetacean with a flexible neck and rich vocal repertoire — nicknamed 'canary of the sea'. Weighing up to 1,400 kg, living about 50 years, and swimming 22 km/h, it lives in social pods in icy estuaries — listed Near Threatened.
Beluga Whale overview
Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is a mammal listed here as Near Threatened. Typical weight 700–1,400 kg (1,540–3,090 lb); males larger; lifespan around 35–50 years in the wild.
Beluga Whale ecology
Diet: Carnivore — fish, crustaceans, worms, and cephalopods. Habitat: Arctic and sub-Arctic seas, estuaries, and pack ice. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Beluga Whales and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild beluga whales are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Near Threatened. See the full Beluga Whale profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild beluga whales.
Human interest and research
Beluga Whales feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Sources
Beluga Whale FAQs
What are key facts about beluga whales?
The beluga whale is a white Arctic cetacean with a flexible neck and rich vocal repertoire — nicknamed 'canary of the sea'. Weighing up to 1,400 kg, living about 50 years, and swimming 22 km/h, it lives in social pods in icy estuaries — listed Near Threatened.
What is the scientific name of the beluga whale?
Delphinapterus leucas — used in research and conservation listings for beluga whales.
What do beluga whales eat?
Beluga Whales eat fish, crustaceans, worms, and cephalopods, with seasonal and regional variation in Arctic and sub-Arctic seas, estuaries, and pack ice.
Where do beluga whales live?
They are associated with Arctic and sub-Arctic seas, estuaries, and pack ice. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of beluga whales?
Listed in our guides as Near Threatened. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.