Which Arctic whale's name literally means “white whale”?

The beluga whale's name literally means “white whale.”

The common name comes through Russian belukha, from a word meaning white. Adult belugas are readily recognized by their pale white color, while calves are usually gray or brown and gradually lighten as they mature.

Belugas inhabit Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, including coastal seas, estuaries and river mouths. Their flexible necks let them move the head independently, an unusual feature among whales.

Belugas are toothed whales, not baleen whales. They use echolocation to navigate and locate prey, and their vocal behavior has earned them the nickname “sea canaries.” The narwhal is their closest living relative.