What do beluga whales eat? Beluga whales belong to the same family as dolphins, but they have particular distinctions that make them unique. Their diet consists of fish and shellfish such as Arctic cod, capelin, herring, mackerel, shrimp, and squid. However, some belugas may opportunistically feed on other creatures like octopuses and eels. Join us as we explore what beluga whales eat and how understanding their diet can help us learn more about these majestic animals.
Here’s the answer: What do beluga whales eat?
Beluga whales, also known as “sea canaries,” are native to the icy waters of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They are carnivorous animals and eat primarily fish, invertebrates, and crustaceans that they find in their environment.
Most of their diet consists of Arctic cod, capelin, herring, mackerel, shrimp, and squid. However, they are opportunistic feeders who will also consume octopuses, eels, or other creatures when they can.
Beluga whales have varying diets that depend on their positioning in the Northern Hemisphere and the current season. This species adapts its diet throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter to meet its needs.
For example, Arctic cod is the main sustenance for Belugas while swimming in the Beaufort Sea. In contrast, those near Greenland have a greater variety of prey, including northern shrimp, Greenland halibut, and rose fish. As they journey through deeper waters, belugas feast on various invertebrates such as sandworms, shrimp, sea snails, octopuses, and bristle worms.
See our article What do whales eat? to understand more about whales’ diet?
What do beluga calves eat?
Mother beluga whales provide nourishment to their calves through nursing. The calf suckles the milk below water from nipples hidden within abdominal mammary slits – a process that starts several hours after birth and can be repeated every hour afterward.
Beluga calves rely heavily on nursing for their first 12 months until they have grown teeth strong enough to feed off small fishes and shrimps. On average, the young belugas are nursed by their mothers for 20 – 24 months before being able to survive entirely independently. Mothers with calves typically create pods away from male belugas to protect them better during this time. [1]
Do beluga whales eat humans?
No, beluga whales are not known to eat humans. They are carnivorous animals, but their diet consists mainly of fish and other sea creatures. Beluga whales are also very social animals, and they rarely show aggression towards humans or other animals, making them a safe encounter in the wild. Beluga whales are curious creatures, and they may come close to investigating but are not likely to attack or eat humans.
Do beluga whales eat seals?
Belugas may be opportunistic hunters, but they don’t typically hunt seals. In fact, seals are often too fast and agile for beluga whales to catch, and the whales typically focus on slower-moving prey, like fish and squid.
Do beluga whales eat penguins?
While beluga whales are known for their diverse diet and opportunistic hunting habits, eating penguins is not on their menu. In fact, beluga whales typically dwell in much colder waters than penguins, making it unlikely for the two species to even cross paths.
Do Beluga Whales Eat Plankton?
Beluga whales primarily eat fish, squid, octopuses, and other aquatic animals. It is rare for belugas to feed on plankton, as the nutritional value of plankton is low, and they would need to consume large amounts to fill their hunger.
How much do beluga whales eat per day?
Beluga whales have a hearty appetite, but the exact amount they eat per day varies depending on their environment, size, and other factors. It’s estimated that an adult beluga whale eats about 2-3% of its body weight per day. That means if a beluga whale weighs 1 tonne (1000kg), it would need to eat about 20-30kg of fish each day to survive.
How Do Beluga Whales Hunt?
Belugas are expert hunters, silently sneaking up on their prey with lightning-fast precision. These sea canaries are armed with excellent eyesight, an acute sense of hearing, and a highly sensitive sense of touch, making them formidable in the ocean.
They use echolocation to locate their prey and then use their powerful jaws to capture their dinner, chomping down on anything from fish and squid to crustaceans.
Belugas often forage in shallow coastal areas and can dive up to 2,300 ft in search of food. They usually work as a team to capture their prey. When hunting, pods of five or more whales will come together and corral the fish into compact groups so that they can be easily targeted. This methodical approach often results in successful hunting trips and plentiful meals.
Conclusion
Beluga whales have a hearty appetite and are always on the lookout for their next delicious meal. From small fish and shrimp to larger prey like Arctic cod and squid, these mammals are known to feast on various sea creatures.
Understanding a beluga whale’s diet can help us learn more about the species and create effective conservation efforts. By reducing unsustainable fishing practices and ensuring that their environment remains healthy, we can help ensure that these majestic creatures remain abundant in our seas for generations to come.
See our article Do beluga whales have knees? to understand more about beluga whales?
