BELUGA

also called White Whale (Delphinapterus leucas), widely distributed whale of the family Monodontidae, found in the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas, in both deep offshore and coastal waters. It may also enter rivers that empty into far north seas. A medium-sized toothed whale with a rounded forehead and no dorsal fin, the beluga is about 4 m (13 feet) long. Born dark blue-gray or blackish, it fades to white or cream at four or five years of age. The beluga feeds on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans and usually lives in groups of 5 to 10. It is taken commercially for its oil, hide, and flesh and is used in the Arctic as food for humans and dogs. also called Hausen, large species of sturgeon (q.v.).