Monodontidae - belugas, narwhals

There are only two species of medium-sized toothed whales in this family. They are 11-15 feet in length and weigh about 3,000 pounds. They are found in cold waters in the Northern Hemisphere.

The beluga whale is found in arctic and subarctic waters in the Northern Hemisphere. It is white and has a large, round melon; a small snout; small, rounded flippers; and small eyes. It has a single blow hole and no dorsal fin. Belugas hunt in shallow waters for fish, squid, octopus, and crustaceans. Belugas swallow their prey whole. Beluga whales can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes.

Narwhals are found in arctic waters in the Northern Hemisphere. Narwhals are easily identified by their long tusk. The tusk is actually a tooth and is only present on the male. Scientists aren't sure what the tusk is used for! Narwhals are 13-16 feet long and weigh up to 2,500 pounds. Narwhals are bluish-gray with white spots. They have a round head, rounded flippers, and no dorsal fin. Narwhals eat fish, squid, octopus, and crustaceans.

World Status Key
Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

New Hampshire Species		North/Central American Species
None		Beluga - Delphinapterus leucas Narwhal - Monodon monoceros

Species Around the World
Location Key Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North/Central America South America NH Species Arctic Ocean Atlantic Ocean Indian Ocean Mediterranean/Black Sea Pacific Ocean
Beluga - Delphinapterus leucas Narwhal - Monodon monoceros

Additional Information

Resource Key
Profile Photos Video Audio

Beluga - Delphinapterus leucas
The beluga is also called the white whale, the white porpoise, the sea canary,and the squid hound.
Source: Enchanted Learning Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary School

Beluga - Delphinapterus leucas
The beluga isn't born white; it is brown or gray at birth and becomes whiter as it matures.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Beluga - Delphinapterus leucas
Beluga are social and very vocal.
Source: National Geographic Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Narwhal - Monodon monoceros
The male narwhal's tusk is really just a really large tooth.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Narwhal - Monodon monoceros
Narwhals travel in pods of 15-20 individuals.
Source: National Geographic Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Narwhal - Monodon monoceros
Narwhal means "corpse whale" in Old Norse.
Source: Enchanted Learning Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary School