Why do beluga whate need to eat ice?

[ibodi]

I dont understand it needs freshwater but it lives in sea and dont drink sea water

then how can it get fresh water in sea?

Updates

+1 y

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[Oliverlogan263]

Beluga whales are pretty cool man. Here's why they eat ice:

- Even though they live in the ocean, belugas can't drink saltwater like other whales. Their bodies aren't adapted for it.

- They need freshwater to survive, but it's not really available in the saltwater ocean environment they live in.

- That's where the ice comes in. When glaciers and icebergs break off into the ocean, they basically carry freshwater that has been locked up on land for a long time.

- Belugas will eat chunks of ice from glaciers or ice floating around in the ocean. As the ice melts in their body, it provides them with the freshwater they need.

- Eating ice is like their way of getting freshwater packets delivered right to them in the sea! Much easier than trying to find streams or lakes under the ocean.

- It also helps them stay hydrated after eating fatty fish and seals, which can be high in salt too.

Kinda cool how they found a way to get freshwater where you'd least expect it, right? Belugas are definitely some smart whales.

[NathanDavis]

ice is made of fresh water

[ibodi]

but how can it get naturally in sea, it lives in sea naturally.