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 Hemispehre. 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 hun 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-grey with white spots. They have a round head, rounded flippers, and no dorsal fin. Narwhals eat fish, squid,
octopus, and crustaceans.
 Endangered in N.H.
|
 Threatened in N.H.
|
 Introduced
|
 Endangered in U.S.
|
 Threatened in U.S.
|
|
| New Hampshire Species |
|
Other North American Species |
| |
|
Beluga
Narwhal
|
|
)