Beluga whales, and their closest living relative, the narwhal (Monodon monoceros), are the only living members of the family Monodontidae.
Beluga whales, along with their closest living relative, the narwhal (Monodon monoceros), are the only living members of the family Monodontidae.
The word “Monodontidae” comes from the Greek for “one tooth,” a reference to the tusk of the male narwhal. This is a misnomer for beluga whales, however, because they possess many teeth. Belugas also have narrower and pointier appendages than that of the narwhal.
Sources: (AMMPA, 2014, 2017; Paine, 1995; Reeves, Smith, Crespo, & di Sciara, 2003; Williams, 2002)
Image: Selbe Lynn
