There are only two species of medium-sized toothed whales in this family. They are found in cold waters in the Northern Hemisphere.
They are 11-15 feet in length and weigh about 3,000 pounds.
The beluga whale is found in Arctic and subarctic waters in the Northern Hemisphere.
It is white and has a large, round melon (bump on its head); a small snout; small, rounded flippers; and small eyes. It has a single blowhole 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 (Delphinapterus leucas) are found in arctic waters in the Northern Hemisphere.
Narwhals are easily identified by their long tusk. The tusk is a tooth and is only found 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.
Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist
Status taken from NH Fish and Game
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