Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Amin Tawar
Beluga Whale Length
Beluga Whales, also known as white whales, are quite popular for their distinctive white coloration and their ability to produce a range of vocalizations, including clicks, chirps, and whistles.
Beluga whales are highly social animals and are often found in large groups, or pods, in the wild. In terms of their size, Beluga whales are a species of small to medium-sized cetaceans that are native to the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
These majestic whales have a stocky build, with a rounded head and a small, triangular dorsal fin. Their flippers are short and wide, and they have small, flexible neck that allows them to move their head in all directions.
Adult Male beluga whales can range in length from 11 to 18 feet while females are shorter with a range of 9.8-13.5 ft.
| Beluga Whale | Meter |
| Male Length | 3.5 to 5.5 m (11 to 18 ft) |
| Female Length | 3 to 4.1 m (9.8 to 13.5 ft) |
Beluga Whale Weight
Beluga whales can fluctuate in weight depending on their feeding habits and the availability of food in their environment.
They are opportunistic feeders, meaning that they will eat a variety of different prey depending on what is available in their environment.
In the wild, beluga whales primarily feed on fish, such as Arctic cod, capelin, and herring, as well as crustaceans, such as shrimp and crabs.
Interestingly, Beluga whales are able to consume large amounts of food in a single feeding, and it is not uncommon for them to eat up to 25% of their body weight in a single day.
Moreover, Beluga whales’ weight can vary significantly depending on a number of factors.
Other than the length of the Beluga whales, they also have a distinctive weight range, which can be a useful characteristic for distinguishing them from others.
In general, adult beluga whales tend to be heavier than younger individuals, and males are usually larger and heavier than females. On average, adult beluga whales can weigh up to 1,600 kg (3,530 lb). 1
| Beluga Whale | Kilograms | Pounds |
| Male Weight | 1,100 – 1,600 kg | 2,430 – 3,530 lb |
| Female Weight | 700 – 1,200 kg | 1,540 – 2,650 lb |
Beluga Whale Baby Size
Adult Beluga whales are small to medium-sized as we discussed earlier, but what about their small ones?
Beluga whale calves, or newborns, typically weigh between 200 and 300 pounds (90 to 135 kilograms) and are 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) long when they are born.
In order to survive in the chilly waters of the Arctic, they are born with a thick layer of blubber. Beluga whale calves are initially gray or brown in color but eventually turn white as they get older.
During the first few years of life, mothers provide food and protection for beluga whale calves. When they are weaned at around 2 to 3 years old, they start eating solid food and start to become more independent.
Beluga whales are capable of reproducing and raising their own families once they reach sexual maturity, which typically occurs between the ages of 5 and 8.
Beluga Whale Population Size
Although it is challenging to pinpoint the exact number of beluga whales in existence because different populations can be geographically separated and exhibit diverse demographic patterns.
On the other hand, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) pegs the number of beluga whales as being between 150,000 and 300,000.
Beluga whales are a significant species in the Arctic ecosystem and an essential component of the food chain there.
They have long been a significant source of food, clothing, and other resources for many indigenous communities, who also value their cultural significance.
As a result of the numerous threats they face, such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, Beluga whale conservation efforts are crucial.
Beluga whale populations may be adversely affected by these threats, so it is crucial to work to safeguard and conserve these animals for future generations.
Beluga Whale Size Compared To Human
It is common to compare the size of animals, including beluga whales, to human size as a way of helping people to understand and conceptualize the size of the animal.
This can be especially helpful when the size of an animal is difficult to fully appreciate without a reference point.
So, comparing the two species based on their size, Beluga whales are larger than most humans, with adult belugas reaching lengths of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) and weighing up to 1,600 kg (3,530 lb).
In comparison, the average height for a human male is around 5.5 to 5.9 feet, and the average weight is around 132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs). This means that beluga whales are significantly larger than humans in terms of both length and weight.
| Animal type | Length | Weight |
| Beluga whale | 9.8-18 feet | 1,600 kg (3,530 lb) |
| Average adult human | 5.5 to 5.9 feet | 132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs) |
Beluga Whale Size Vs Orca Size Comparison
If beluga whales were considered the “little siblings” of the cetacean family, then orcas, also known as killer whales, would definitely be the “big brothers.”
Beluga whales are small to medium-sized cetaceans that are native to the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, reaching lengths of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) and weighing up to 1,600 kg (3,530 lb).
Orcas, on the other hand, are much larger, with adult males reaching lengths of up to 32 feet (9.8 meters) and weighing up to 22,000 pounds (10,000 kilograms).
Female orcas are slightly smaller, reaching lengths of up to 28 feet (8.5 meters) and weighing up to 12,000 pounds (5,400 kilograms).
Despite their size difference, both beluga whales and orcas are highly intelligent and social animals, known for their complex vocalizations and cooperative hunting behaviors.
| Animal type | Length | Weight |
| Beluga whale | 9.8-18 feet | 1,600 kg (3,530 lb) |
| Orcas | 6 to 8 meters (20 to 26 ft) | 6 metric tons (13,000 pounds) |
Beluga Whale Vs Blue Whale Size Comparison
If you are wondering about the difference of size between the Beluga whale and the Blue whale, then let me tell you If beluga whales were the size of cars, then blue whales would be the size of skyscrapers.
Beluga whales are small to medium-sized cetaceans that are native to the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, reaching lengths of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) and weighing up to 1,600 kg (3,530 lb).
Blue whales, on the other hand, are the largest animals on the planet, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and weighing up to 200 tons (180 metric tons). This makes blue whales significantly larger than beluga whales in terms of both length and weight.
| Animal type | Length | Weight |
| Beluga whale | 9.8-18 feet | 1,600 kg (3,530 lb) |
| Blue whale | 100 feet (30 meters) | 400,000 pounds (200 tons) |
Beluga Whale Vs Dolphin Size Comparison
Cetaceans, which are marine mammals and members of the dolphin family, include both beluga whales and dolphin species.
Despite having a close relationship, beluga whales and dolphins are two separate species with unique physical and behavioral characteristics.
In terms of size, beluga whales are generally larger than dolphins, with adult belugas reaching lengths of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) and weighing up to 1,600 kg (3,530 lb). Dolphins, on the other hand, come in a range of sizes depending on the species, but most are smaller than beluga whales, with adult bottlenose dolphins reaching lengths of up to 4 or 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) and weighing up to 100 to 200 pounds (45 to 90 kilograms).
| Animal type | Length | Weight |
| Beluga whale | 9.8-18 feet | 1,600 kg (3,530 lb) |
| Dolphin | 4 or 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) | 100 to 200 pounds (45 to 90 kilograms) |
Conclusion
And that was everything you need to know about the size of a Beluga Whale. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.
Thank You For Reading!
Related Articles You May Like