AnAge entry for Delphinapterus leucas

Classification (HAGRID: 02314)

Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
    Phylum: Chordata
        Class: Mammalia (Taxon entry)
            Order: Cetacea (Taxon entry)
                Family: Monodontidae
                    Genus: Delphinapterus
Species
Delphinapterus leucas
Common name
Beluga
Synonyms
Delphinapterus beluga, Delphinapterus catodon, Beluga catodon, Delphinapterus leucas marisalbi

Lifespan, ageing, and relevant traits

Maximum longevity
40 years (captivity)
Source
ref. 671
Sample size
Medium
Data quality
Acceptable
Observations

It is estimated that these animals may live up to 40 years in the wild [0573]. One wild born specimen was still alive in captivity at about 34 years of age [0671]. Maximum longevity could be underestimated.

Like other species, these animals seem to suffer from reproductive senescence [1370].

Life history traits (averages)

Female sexual maturity
1,644 days
Male sexual maturity
2,283 days
Gestation
416 days
Weaning
Litter size
1 (viviparous)
Litters per year
0.3
Inter-litter interval
1,004 days
Weight at birth
66,000 g
Weight at weaning
Adult weight
1,430,000 g
Postnatal growth rate

Metabolism

Typical body temperature
309ºK or 35.8ºC or 96.4ºF
Basal metabolic rate
Not yet available

References

External Resources

Integrated Taxonomic Information System
ITIS 180483
Animal Diversity Web
ADW account (if available)
Encyclopaedia of Life
Search EOL
NCBI Taxonomy
Taxonomy ID 9749
Entrez
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Ageing Literature
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Images
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Internet
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